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Pukyong National University Embarks on KRW 10.27 Billion RISE Project? RISE Project Launch Ceremony Held on the 23rd; Focus on Blue Food Tech and Energy Tech ?Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) held the launching ceremony and project briefing session for its RISE (Regional Innovation Strategy and Education) Initiative on the afternoon of the 23rd at the Pukyong Convention Hall, officially kicking off the project. The event was attended by over 90 participants, including President Bae Sang-hoon, professors specializing in core fields, corporate partners, and project staff. Kim Chan-jung, Director of the RISE Project Management Office, presented detailed objectives and operational plans for each sub-project, followed by a Q&A session. This year, Pukyong National University secured a total budget of KRW 10.27 billion through Busan’s RISE program under the research-centered university category. The university will implement a variety of initiatives aimed at nurturing research talent and strengthening R&D capabilities to lead the region’s future industries. Pukyong National University has organized the RISE Project Group under the leadership of Vice President Ha Myung-shin, head of the initiative, with five divisions and a team of 31 members. The university is set to implement a total of 21 detailed projects. It has designated Blue Food Tech and Energy Tech as its specialized fields, and plans to focus on initiatives such as restructuring graduate curricula in these areas, promoting joint R&D with local companies, attracting international students, and establishing an open-startup university in partnership with other universities in the Nam-gu district. Through these efforts, the university aims to achieve its core goals of talent innovation, industrial innovation, social innovation, and university innovation over the next five years. Specific targets include cultivating 500 research professionals, generating KRW 2 billion in technology transfer revenue, attracting 3,000 international students, and supporting the launch of 300 tenant companies. In particular, Pukyong National University also presented its “PKNU Moonshot Project” plan at the event, a university-led initiative aligned with the RISE Project. The Moonshot Project is one of President Bae Sang-hoon’s key pledges. It aims to foster joint growth between the university and local small but strong enterprises, with the goal of nurturing unicorn companies. The university will invest KRW 900 million of its own budget in five future industry projects, and KRW 230 million in 15 humanities and social sciences projects that address local issues. President Bae Sang-hoon stated, “Despite the recent shifts in higher education policy under the new government, the RISE Project is expected to expand further,” adding, “Pukyong National University will present its own RISE model through our capabilities and passion, and actively contribute to regional innovation.”
Pukyong National University Develops ‘Smart Drug Delivery System’ to Enhance Anticancer Drug Delivery to Tumor Cells-Research team led by Ph.D. candidate Kim Byeong-guk, Professor Lim Kwon-taek, and Professor Park Sang-hyeok-Developed redox-responsive maltopheptaose-based micelles; research published in international journal A research team from Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) has developed a “smart drug delivery system” that enhances the efficiency of anticancer drug delivery to tumor cells. The system, titled “redox-responsive crosslinked maltopheptaose-based micelles,” was developed by Ph.D. candidate Kim Byeong-guk (Department of Bio-Industrial Convergence Engineering for the 4th Industrial Revolution) as the first author, with Professor Lim Kwon-taek (Professor Emeritus) and Professor Park Sang-hyeok (Department of Biomedical Engineering) as corresponding authors. The system was developed to overcome the limitations of low anticancer efficacy caused by the nonspecific delivery of doxorubicin, a potent anticancer drug widely used in the treatment of various cancers but known to cause several side effects. The system developed by the Pukyong National University research team is composed of an A2B-type miktoarm block copolymer based on maltopentaose, a biocompatible oligosaccharide. It incorporates disulfide or diselenide crosslinking within the micelle core, enabling selective drug release only upon reaching cancer cells, while minimizing effects on healthy tissues. Experimental results showed that the system exhibited high drug-loading efficiency, demonstrating biocompatibility with normal cells and strong anticancer effects against cancer cells. Professor Park Sang-hyuk stated, “This study is significant in that it presents a novel method to overcome the early leakage of drugs into the bloodstream―a major issue in conventional drug delivery systems, which often leads to various side effects. The system holds promise for applications in precision anticancer drug delivery and reduced-side-effect nanomedicine platforms, garnering considerable interest from both academia and industry.” The findings of this study were recently published in the prestigious international journal
PKNU Preliminary Startup Team Selected for National Marine and Fisheries Startup Program- Team ‘Neurim’ selected in nationwide competition with functional feed for ornamental fish- Embarks on marine bio entrepreneurship with Busan University Consortium HoldingsThe preliminary startup team Neurim from the Department of Aquaculture and Applied Life Science at Pukyong National University (advisor: Professor Lee Seung-hyung) has been officially selected as a startup candidate in the 2025 Marine and Fisheries Startup Accelerator Program organized by the Busan University Consortium Holdings, earning recognition as a promising startup team in the marine and fisheries sector. This program is a startup discovery and incubation initiative focused on innovation in both emerging and traditional marine and fisheries industries. It is overseen by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Institute of Marine Science & Technology Promotion (KIMST), and operated by the Busan University Consortium Holdings. The ‘Neurim’ team consists of Jeon Hyun-chul, a Ph.D. candidate in Fisheries Biology; Park Sang-min, Moon Jun-hyeok, and Jeong Jin-woo from the Department of Aquaculture and Applied Life Science; Kim Do-hyeok from the Department of Marine Life Sciences; and alumna Jo Eun-chae. Together, they have developed a customized functional feed called ‘NEURIM’ designed specifically for aquatic turtles and ornamental fish. The Neurim team has steadily built a foundation for commercialization by developing a feed formula based on domestic ingredients, producing the first and second prototypes, and establishing a premium blend ratio. Their goal is to complete ingredient registration for semi-aquatic turtle-specific feed and officially launch sales by the end of this year. After passing both document screening and presentation evaluation, the team was officially selected as part of the 2025 Marine and Fisheries Startup Accelerator Program. They received 6 million KRW in seed funding and are now receiving full-scale business support. On June 12, they participated in the 2025 Marine and Fisheries Startup Briefing Session hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Institute of Marine Science & Technology Promotion, marking the start of their official activities. Following the initial funding, the team will receive comprehensive startup support, including entrepreneurship education (from basic to advanced business management), one-on-one mentoring from experts in legal affairs, patents, finance, and labor, as well as intensive IR pitching training, demo days, and connections to TIPS, government funding programs, and potential investors. Up to 15 million KRW in commercialization funds and over 300 million KRW in direct investment opportunities will also be provided. Additionally, Busan University Consortium Technology Holdings Co., Ltd. will support the team’s market entry and performance expansion through marine-specialized programs such as the B-Wave Open Table technical consultation event, B-Next Wave investment networking, and Blue Wave PR, a promotional campaign focused on startups. With this selection, ‘Neurim’ is expected to grow beyond simply commercializing academic research into a startup that contributes to the structural improvement and high-value transformation of the aquaculture feed industry.
Pukyong National University Initiates Public Discussion on Becoming the ‘SNU of Busan’- Special Lecture by Professor Kim Jong-young, “Creating Ten Seoul National Universities,” Held on June 18Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) has joined the public discourse on one of the current hot topics in higher education―“Creating Ten Seoul National Universities.” The university hosted a special lecture on June 18 at the PKNU Convention Hall, inviting Professor Kim Jong-young of Kyung Hee University, who proposed the policy initiative adopted as a presidential pledge by President Lee Jae-myung. The event was part of the 2025 PKNU Education Innovation Forum organized by PKNU’s Office of Education Innovation. It aimed to build internal and external consensus for the innovation of local universities in Busan and explore actionable strategies that can be applied at the university level. In his lecture, Professor Kim Jong-young offered an in-depth analysis of the imbalance in higher education, particularly the concentration of universities in the Seoul metropolitan area and the hierarchical structure of universities, which has led to the decline of regional institutions. As a solution, he proposed the idea of ‘Creating Ten Seoul National Universities,’ envisioning the establishment of research-centered universities equivalent to Seoul National University across major regions nationwide to promote balanced regional development and academic diversity. Professor Kim specifically highlighted Pukyong National University as a model for regional university innovation. He noted that PKNU ranks highest among universities in the Busan area in terms of research funding per full-time faculty member (as of August 2024, based on public data from University Information Disclosure), demonstrating its strong research competitiveness. Professor Kim emphasized the potential of Pukyong National University as a research-centered university, noting that establishing a university integration network equivalent to flagship national universities could help prevent the outflow of talent from the Busan region. He also highlighted PKNU’s capacity to lead a globally competitive university network centered in the southeastern region. “Creating ten Seoul National Universities is a national strategy,” Professor Kim said. “A region can only thrive when it has a world-class university. To revitalize a region, a globally competitive university must be located there. Building such a university requires funding, authority, and vision―it’s an issue that demands political will. If Busan is to thrive, its citizens must call on the government to establish a world-class university in the city.” He went on to say, “I propose integrating Pukyong National University and Pusan National University to create a ‘Seoul National University of Busan.’ PKNU is in an excellent location. Its campus, adjacent to Gwangalli Beach, is the perfect place for students to study during the day and enjoy social life at night―much like Hongdae in Seoul.” PKNU plans to continue its efforts to innovate and enhance the competitiveness of local universities through initiatives like this special lecture, as well as by expanding its cooperation network with local industries, academia, and research institutions. President Bae Sang-hoon of PKNU stated, “Through this event, we aim to establish future strategies for PKNU to emerge as the hub of higher education innovation in the southeastern region. We hope it will serve as a starting point to open a new future for regional universities, building on our strengths and potential.”
Pukyong National University and Busan Nambu Fire Station Conduct Large-Scale Joint Fire Drill? Comprehensive Emergency Response Drill for 2025 Disaster Preparedness Held at PKNU Main Administration Building on the 16thPukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) and the Busan Nambu Fire Station (Chief Kim Jeong-sik) conducted a large-scale joint fire drill on June 16 as part of the “2025 Comprehensive Emergency Response Drill for Disaster Preparedness.” Held at the university’s main administration building, the drill mobilized over 30 emergency vehicles, including fire trucks, ambulances, and ladder trucks. The exercise aimed to strengthen inter-agency coordination and establish an effective response system for swift and systematic action in the event of a fire. In the first stage of the drill, Pukyong National University’s internal firefighting team responded to the incident by reporting the fire, initiating evacuation procedures, and carrying out an initial fire suppression effort. In the second stage, the Busan Nam-gu Fire Department’s first-response team arrived on-site to extinguish the fire, carry out rescues, operate a temporary emergency medical station, and coordinate field response operations. In the third stage, special vehicles were deployed for high-rise rescues and a control center was activated to respond to a simulated unidentified gas leak. The fourth stage involved search-and-rescue operations simulating a firefighter being trapped, along with secondary fire suppression. Finally, in the fifth stage, recovery and clean-up operations were conducted, followed by a comprehensive review to conclude the drill. Notably, students from Pukyong National University’s Department of Fire Protection Engineering―established 20 years ago and the first of its kind among national universities―participated in the exercise by supporting the evacuation drill.
Rowing Powerhouse PKNU Wins 4 Gold, 2 Silver, and 5 Bronze at the 51st Jang Bogo Cup― First Place in Men’s University Coxless PairThe rowing team of Pukyong National University’s Institute for Sports Promotion (Director Shin Jong-dae) delivered a strong performance at the 51st Jang Bogo Cup National Rowing Championships, held from May 31 to June 8 at the West Nakdong River Rowing Center in Busan. The team earned a total of 11 medals: 4 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze. Pukyong National University’s rowing team (coached by Lee Jun-cheol) secured a gold medal in the men’s university coxless pair, with the team of Kim Yeong-jun and Seo Jeong-hwan taking first place in Division 1 of the competition. Additionally, the pair of Choe Geun-ho and Lee Jae-uk won bronze in the men’s university double sculls, while Kim Yeong-jun, Seo Jeong-hwan, Choi Geun-ho, and Lee Jae-uk teamed up to claim another bronze in the men’s university quadruple sculls. In the Division 2 events, the team of Kim Yeong-jun, Choi Geun-ho, Seo Yu-jin, Kang Na-yeong, and Je Hee-jin took first place in the mixed university coxed four (4+), while the women’s coxed four team―Seo Yu-jin, Kang Na-yeong, Oh Hyeon-seong, Noh Yu-ni, and Je Hee-jin―earned a bronze medal by finishing third. At the indoor rowing competition, Kim Sang-won, Choi Geun-ho, and Kim Yeong-jun swept the podium in the men’s university division by winning first, second, and third place, respectively. Kang Na-yeong also earned a bronze medal by placing third in the women’s university division. In the indoor rowing men’s university team event, the team of Kim Sang-won, Jeon Jae-hyeok, Kim Ji-ho, and Son Seong-min secured first place, while the team of Kim Yeong-jun, Choi Geun-ho, Seo Jeong-hwan, and Lee Jae-uk finished second. Pukyong National University’s rowing team is widely recognized as one of the nation’s premier programs. At last year’s Jang Bogo Cup, the team finished as the overall runner-up in Division 1. To date, PKNU has claimed the overall championship title at this prestigious national competition an impressive 16 times.
Pukyong National University Reveals How Next-Generation Regenerative Material ‘Exosomes’ Prevent Skin Aging― Research Led by Ph.D. Candidate Jeong Se-young, M.S. Student Park Ji-young, and Professor Eom Woo-ram― Study on Stem Cell?Derived Anti-Aging Exosomes Published in International Journal
Pukyong National University Hosts Special Lecture by EU Ambassador to Korea? June 10, on the theme “EU Korea Together in Challenging Times”Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) hosted a special lecture by Maria Castillo Fernandez, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to the Republic of Korea, on the morning of June 10 at the Pukyong Convention Hall. Ambassador Castillo Fernandez delivered a lecture to Pukyong National University undergraduate and graduate students under the theme “EU Korea Together in Challenging Times.” A Spanish national, Ambassador Castillo Fernandez served as EU headquarters’ Korea Desk Officer from 2000 to 2005, and as Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Korea from 2005 to 2008. In 2008, she was awarded the Spanish Civil Order of Merit for her contributions to strengthening EU?Korea relations. She later served as EU Ambassador to Malaysia and has been serving as EU Ambassador to Korea since September 2020. Ambassador Maria Castillo Fernandez emphasized during the lecture, “The EU is a trustworthy partner for Korea, sharing common values and mutual confidence.” She stated that “Based on democracy, human rights, and a rules-based international order centered on the United Nations, the EU and Korea are working closely in various fields such as global and regional security, trade and investment, science and technology, climate change, and the environment.” She also discussed the growing importance of bilateral cooperation and explained the role of the EU Delegation in advancing the EU?Korea strategic partnership. Encouraging PKNU students in attendance, Ambassador Castillo Fernandez said, “I strongly recommend studying abroad, as it can become a turning point in your life. In particular, I encourage you to explore the world through studying in the EU, where diversity is respected.” Meanwhile, Pukyong National University’s Office of International Affairs organized the event to provide students with an opportunity to engage directly with the EU Ambassador to Korea, while also supporting student mobility to EU countries and promoting joint programs with European universities. As of 2025, a total of 83 Pukyong National University students have been or are scheduled to be dispatched to EU member states as exchange students―50 currently studying abroad and 33 preparing for departure. Additionally, 36 students from EU member countries have studied or are scheduled to study at PKNU―22 currently enrolled and 14 expected to arrive.
Pukyong National University Faculty Startup Nutra-it Co., Ltd. Secures MFDS Individual Approval for Sleep-Enhancing Ingredient ‘Lime Peel Extract’? Developed with the goal of globalizing K-health supplements; now gearing up for full-scale exportsNutra-it Co., Ltd. (CEO Cho Seung-mok, Professor of Food Engineering), a faculty startup from Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon), announced that its proprietary Lime Peel Extract has recently received individual approval (No. 2025-26) from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) for its functionality in improving sleep quality. Nutra-it’s in-house research institute, supported by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups’ TIPS program, has focused on developing sleep-enhancing functional ingredients with global competitiveness, aiming to lead the globalization of K-health supplements. This MFDS certification lays a solid foundation for expanding the global presence of Lime Peel Extract. Since its founding in 2021, Nutra-it has identified sleep-enhancing functional ingredients as one of the most promising sectors in the global health supplement market and launched the development of a Korean-made sleep-support ingredient. From the outset, the company aimed to create a product that would outperform existing global sleep ingredients across all metrics, with a clear focus on meeting regulatory standards required for entry into advanced markets such as the United States. The sleep-improving effects and mechanism of action of Nutra-it’s Lime Peel Extract have been scientifically verified through cellular, animal, and human clinical studies. Research has shown that the extract enhances deep sleep by activating GABA receptors in the central nervous system. In particular, human clinical trials utilizing polysomnography revealed that Lime Peel Extract significantly improved key sleep indicators. These included increased sleep efficiency, reduced sleep onset latency, longer total sleep duration, reduced wake time after sleep onset, and a notable rise in Stage 2 deep sleep. Most impressively, the extract improved sleep efficiency by 8.5%, a level comparable to that of well-known prescription sleep medications―underscoring its potent efficacy. The preclinical and clinical research findings on Lime Peel Extract were recognized for their scientific excellence, with results published in top-tier journals within the field:
Pukyong National University Graduate Student Selected as ‘Young Scientist’ by North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES)- Kim Tae-yeon, Master’s Program StudentKim Tae-yeon, a master’s student in the Department of Marine Biology at Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon), under the supervision of Professor Hyun Sang-yoon, has been selected as a Young Scientist to participate in the 2025 Annual Meeting of the North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES-2025). Kim Tae-yeon, a graduate student was chosen through a selection process held during the 2025 Spring Meeting of the Korean Society of Oceanography, which took place from May 8 to 10 at BEXCO in Busan, as part of the PICES Young Scientist Support Program. PICES is an intergovernmental organization established to promote effective management of the North Pacific marine environment and foster scientific collaboration. Its six member countries include Korea, the United States, Canada, Russia, China, and Japan. With this selection, Kim Tae-yeon, a master’s student will receive support for airfare, accommodation, and registration fees to attend the upcoming PICES Annual Meeting, scheduled to be held in Yokohama, Japan, this November. He was selected through a competitive process aimed at choosing approximately five outstanding young marine scientists from across the country. During the evaluation, Kim Tae-yeon gave an oral presentation of his research titled “A stock assessment of the chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) in Korea with environmental conditions being incorporated,” which received high praise from the panel. In his study, Kim conducted a stock assessment of chub mackerel incorporating spatiotemporal factors and presented trends in plankton―its primary food source―and recruitment levels. His findings were recognized for successfully demonstrating the interrelationship among these variables.
Professor Park Sang-hyuk’s Team at Pukyong National University, Selected for ‘Global Research Laboratory Program’- Project to Develop Advanced Real-Time Organoid Analysis and Evaluation PlatformPukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) announced that a research team led by Professor Park Sang-hyuk (Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Smart Healthcare) has been selected for the 2025 Global Basic Research Laboratory (BRL) Program, funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea. Professor Park Sang-hyuk’s team, in collaboration with Professors Nam Seung-yoon (Department Biomedical Engineering), Eom Woo-ram (Department of Biotechnology), and Yoon Chang-han (Department of Biomedical Engineering, Inje University), was selected for its proposal titled “Global Research Laboratory for the Development of an AI-Integrated SWE-ERS Platform for Non-Destructive Characterization of Advanced Bio-Organoids.” The Global Basic Research Laboratory program supports small-scale research groups focused on specific topics, with the goal of strengthening the nation’s capacity for basic science research. With this selection, the research team will receive 1.5 billion KRW in funding over the next three years to develop a real-time evaluation platform for advanced organoids using non-destructive analysis methods. Organoids are three-dimensional mini-organs or organ-like structures that mimic the architecture and function of real tissues and organs. They are considered next-generation bio-materials with promising applications in personalized disease modeling, drug screening, alternatives to animal testing, and regenerative medicine. However, current evaluation methods for irregularly shaped artificial organoid tissues are limited. Because there are no customized assessment tools, researchers often rely on destructive techniques that involve breaking down the organoids for physical and chemical analysis―an approach that is time-consuming and costly. In addition, the lack of standardized criteria for evaluating organoid characteristics across different tissue types remains a significant challenge. To address these challenges, the research team aims to develop a non-destructive evaluation technology that measures biochemical and physical property changes in organoids and predicts their differentiation levels through artificial intelligence. Through collaborative research, the team plans to analyze RNA sequences contained within exosomes released into the culture medium during the 3D organoid growth process―a method known as Exosome RNA Sequencing (ERS)―to non-destructively assess tissue maturity. In addition, they will develop a technique using shear wave elastography (SWE) based on a 2D array system to measure and analyze changes in the mechanical properties of organoids over time and location. The project also includes the development of AI-based solutions to analyze correlations and interrelationships between these non-invasive evaluation methods. Professor Park Sang-hyuk, the principal investigator, stated, “This research represents a multidisciplinary effort to develop core technologies essential for scaling up implantable biomaterials and engineered organs in advanced regenerative medicine. We aim to establish this laboratory as a leading center for foundational research in regenerative biomedical engineering by closely collaborating with the university’s Regional Innovation Leading Research Center and other key research institutes.”
Pukyong National University Selected as Partner Institution for Humanities and Social Sciences Convergence Talent Development Program- Consortium Formed with Incheon National University, Sogang University, Daegu University, and Sangji University in the Field of “Inclusive Society”- Aims to Present Innovative Models for Community Restoration and Inclusive Policy Amid Multi-Layered Societal ConflictPukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) has been selected as a partner institution in the ‘2025 Humanities and Social Sciences Convergence Talent Development Program (HUSS),’ funded by the Ministry of Education and the National Research Foundation of Korea, under the newly designated Inclusive Society track. The Humanities and Social Sciences Convergence Talent Development Program supports the cultivation of interdisciplinary talent by breaking down barriers between departments and universities, with a focus on humanities and social sciences. Since its launch in 2023, eight consortiums have been selected across various themes. In 2025, two new thematic areas―Inclusive Society and Digital Economy―have been added. Pukyong National University will join a regional consortium led by Incheon National University, along with Sogang University, Daegu University, and Sangji University. Together, the universities will pursue the vision of “Fostering Cultural Mediators for Community Restoration and Social Inclusion in an Era of Multi-Layered Conflict.” The initiative will receive 8.7 billion KRW in funding over the next three years. The consortium has drawn attention for introducing Korea’s first ‘network-based federated independent college’ model. Under this academic framework, each university will establish a ‘College of Inclusive Society Convergence Studies,’ which will be jointly operated as a single federated academic unit. Notably, the foundational course ‘Introduction to an Inclusive Society’ will be taught through team-teaching by faculty members from all participating institutions. The program will also include a non-credit component called the ‘Credi-T Learning Community,’ offering students personalized, competency-based learning experiences. Outcomes will be shared through a Capstone Festival and annual academic conference, enhancing practical collaboration with local communities and industry partners. In the first year, the consortium will focus on institutional development and curriculum design. In the second year, it will launch the College of Inclusive Society Convergence Studies and begin operating a joint curriculum. By the third year, the program will expand to include integrated bachelor’s?master’s pathways and dissemination of outcomes. The goal is to train 600 convergence-based inclusive society specialists in the first year, and a total of 2,900 by the third year. Pukyong National University will focus its efforts on training ‘conflict coordinators’ and developing a graduate program in inclusive society studies. Conflict coordinators are convergence-based professionals equipped to address modern societal challenges such as low birthrates, aging populations, regional disparity, and migration through legal, policy-driven, and digital approaches. Professor Cho Se-hyun (Department of History), who leads the Pukyong National University project team, stated, “This initiative brings together four academic departments―History, Social Welfare, Political Science and Diplomacy, and Early Childhood Education―to propose a hands-on, interdisciplinary education model that goes beyond academic integration. The program is designed to tackle real-world issues of complex conflict and inequality in society.”
Late Professor Kim Han-goon’s Love for His Students Lives on Through His Family- In His Memory, the Family Donates 10 Million KRW in Scholarships to Pukyong National UniversityThe family of the late Professor Emeritus Kim Han-goon of Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) has made a heartfelt donation in his name, touching the university community. On the morning of June 2, a scholarship donation ceremony was held in the reception room on the third floor of the university’s main administration building. Professor Kim Han-goon’s sons, Kim Jeong-il and Kim Seong-il, attended the ceremony and presented a donation of 10 million KRW to President Bae Sang-hoon. They asked that the funds be used to support students in the Department of Metallurgical Engineering within the College of Engineering, where the late professor Kim Han-goon served during his career. Professor Kim Han-goon, who joined Pukyong National University in 1978 and retired in 2013, dedicated over three decades to education and research. A leading expert in advanced materials, particularly in surface heat treatment of metals, he passed away in April of this year. Beginning in 1984, Professor Kim Han-goon quietly set aside a portion of his monthly salary to support scholarships for his students. By the time he retired, he had donated a total of 10 million KRW―an enduring expression of his deep commitment to student success. His sons, Kim Jeong-il and Kim Seong-il, shared, “Our entire family was always aware of how deeply our father cared for his students. We hope that our father’s legacy and the love he had for his students will continue to live on in the department.” Pukyong National University plans to name the donation the Professor Emeritus Kim Han-goon Memorial Scholarship, which will be used to support current students in the Department of Metallurgical Engineering.
Pukyong National University, Selected for High School Education Contribution Program for 11 Consecutive Years― Advancing Fair University Admissions and Strengthening High School?University CooperationPukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) has been selected for the Ministry of Education’s 2025?2026 High School Education Contribution Program. High School Education Contribution Program aims to reduce the burden of college admissions on students by encouraging universities to design fair and transparent admissions processes and to strengthen connections with high school curricula. Pukyong National University has now been selected for this program for 11 consecutive years since 2015, a recognition of its commitment to fair admissions practices and contributions to enhancing the quality of high school education. In particular, the university earned high marks for the evaluation capabilities of its admissions officers and the strength of its outreach programs with high schools. With this selection, Pukyong National University will receive government funding to implement a variety of initiatives, including △research on university admissions systems △collaboration programs with metropolitan and provincial education offices △on-site admissions information sessions at high schools △consulting and training programs for teachers △expanded participation in regional college admissions fairs. The university also plans to further strengthen its admissions system by enhancing transparency, improving policies, and ensuring fair and consistent implementation. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education announced on May 29 that a total of 92 universities nationwide have been selected for the 2025?2026 cycle of the program. Approximately 53.8 billion KRW in base funding will be allocated to the selected institutions this year, with each receiving around 580 million KRW.
Pukyong National University’s Spring Festival in ‘Full Swing’- Students and Local Community Join Together for Three Days of Celebration, May 27?29 Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) successfully held its annual spring festival, the Daedong Festival, over a three-day period from May 27 to 29. Organized by the Student Council (President Hwang Dong-hyun), this year’s festival was themed “Ode to Youth: Coloring Pukyong from the Start of Youth.” The event was designed as a celebration for both students and local residents to enjoy together. Various booths set up on the lawn square featured food and interactive programs prepared by different colleges, departments, and majors. Meanwhile, the main field hosted a flea market and an Open Lounge area, offering comfortable spaces for rest and recreation―encouraging wide participation from both students and community members. The festival’s main stage came alive with a variety of unique and entertaining performances. Students showcased their talents in events such as “Pukyong Singer,” a singing contest featuring celebrity impersonations, “Battle of the Stars,” a talent show with performances by academic departments and student clubs, an electrifying EDM party, and “Visible Radio,” a live communication program held at the radio booth. The evening concerts featured performances by popular artists: STAYC and Han Yo-han opened the festival on the first day, followed by Apink and Roy Kim on the second day. On the final night, the stage was lit up by acts such as Yudabinband, pH-1, and HAON. Interactive events also drew enthusiastic participation. These included “Asphalt Chalk Art,” where students drew pictures directly on a car-free street; “Wish Road,” a space to write and share wishes; and “Treasure Hunt Adventure,” a playful search for hidden items across campus. In addition, international students currently studying at Pukyong National University hosted an “International Day” event, where they introduced their home countries’ traditional cultures and cuisines. Administrative departments also set up booths to promote various student support programs. Meanwhile, university staff and students worked together to ensure a safe and smooth event by conducting on-site safety monitoring throughout the festival.
Pukyong National University Presents the 2025 Blue Frontier Awards- Park Yong-jun, CEO of Samjin Food, and Kim Da-rom, KNN Announcer, Honored for Enhancing Their Alma Mater’s PrestigePukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) presented the ‘2025 Blue Frontier Awards to Park Yong-jun, CEO of Samjin Food’ Co., Ltd., and Kim Da-rom, announcer at KNN, on May 27. The awards ceremony was held in the reception room on the third floor of the university’s main administration building. President Bae Sang-hoon presented the honors to the two alumni, who were recommended by the Alumni Association and recognized for raising the university’s prestige through their outstanding achievements in various fields. In anticipation of its 80th anniversary next year, Pukyong National University established the Blue Frontier Awards for the first time this year to recognize distinguished alumni. The awards ceremony was held as part of PKNU WEEK, commemorating the university’s 79th anniversary. Park Yong-jun(Class of ’02, Department of Mechanical Engineering), CEO of Samjin Food Co., Ltd., was recognized for his relentless pursuit of innovation and growth. Through the development of groundbreaking products and strategic expansion, he has transformed Samjin Eomuk into a leading food brand in Busan and introduced “K-Fish Cake” to global markets, setting a new paradigm in the fish cake industry. Kim Da-rom (Class of ’13, Department of Systems Management Engineering), currently an announcer at KNN, was honored for her continuous passion and perseverance in pursuing her dream. Beginning as a campus announcer during her student years, she went on to work as a traffic and weather caster at Ulsan Traffic Broadcasting, a radio DJ at Busan FEBC, and an announcer at Jinju KBS before joining KNN. Following the award ceremony, both Park Yong-jun and Kim Da-rom served as guest speakers for the Blue Frontier Leadership Lecture, where they delivered talks on the themes of challenge and innovation to Pukyong National University students.