- The World Peace Art Exhibition donates 58 K-Folk Paintings and K-Graphics to Wonju Prison
- China and Kyrgyzstan sign "Permanent Treaty of Good Neighborly Relations and Friendship"
- World media reporters shed new light on ‘Islamic Civilization’
- Korea Aerospace University Summer Overseas Volunteer Corps, “Educational and Cultural Exchange in Uzbekistan”
- Odissi Troupe and Film Festival Highlight 12th Edition of "Sarang" as Embassy of India Unveils 2026 Cultural Calendar
- Second Uzbekistan Ambassador’s Cup International Kurash Championships Held in Seoul
- Ambassador Michelle Steel Hosts Korean Fulbright Scholars at Habib House
- President Lee Presides Over 10th Central-Local Cooperation Council, Calls Balanced Development "Essential Strategy"
- Uzbekistan and Korean Partners Join Hands to Donate 35 Smartboards to Educational Institutions
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The Korea Aerospace University holds General Faculty Meeting on the first day of the second semester, “Presenting 6 Key Initiatives for the Second Half”
- Stabilization of the Autonomous Major Selection System, Response to QS Rankings, and Industry-Academic Convergence Center - President Hur Hee-young: “We Must Prepare Thoroughly to Seize Opportunities” - Jeju Jeongseok Flight Training Center to be Developed into a Flight Education R&D Platform
Diplomacy Journal Kim Tae Yeon | Korea Aerospace University held a general faculty meeting on the first day of the second semester and presented six key initiatives for the second half of the year aimed at strengthening the university's competitiveness and building a foundation for future growth. Korea Aerospace University held the "2nd General Faculty Meeting for the 2026 Academic Year" at 5:00 PM on September 1st in the main auditorium on campus. The meeting proceeded in the order of the presentation of appointment letters to new faculty members, opening remarks by President Hur Hee-young, and work reports from administrative departments. On this day, six new faculty members, who will begin teaching in the new semester, received their letters of appointment. The newly appointed faculty members are Professor Choi Dong-chan (Space Engineering), Professor Jang Won-geun (Mechanical Engineering), Professor Shin Jeong-ho (Semiconductor Advanced Materials), Professor Byun Hong-soo (Computer Engineering), Professor Kang Su-min (Logistics), and Professor Kang Eun-ho (Aerospace Policy). To strengthen its educational and research capabilities in the fields of aerospace, advanced industries, and policy, the university has recruited talented individuals with expertise accumulated in academia, research institutions, government, and industry. In his opening remarks, President Hur Hee-young shared news of the remodeling of the Academic Information Center, which was completed during the summer break, and announced that the opening ceremony for the lounges on the first and second floors of the center will be held on September 3. He then introduced six key initiatives to be pursued until February 2027, emphasizing that Korea Aerospace University is facing a significant opportunity for the university's development. President Hur urged the active participation and cooperation of the university community, stating, "Those who are prepared snatch up the goddess of fortune, but those who are unprepared do not even know whether she is coming or going." The first task is to stabilize the Autonomous Major Selection System, which is now in its third year of implementation. President Hur assessed that student satisfaction has increased and the dropout rate among first-year students has significantly decreased since the system was implemented. However, he diagnosed that new challenges have emerged as majors have been subdivided into 17 categories, such as student concentration in certain majors or the appearance of majors with only three or four faculty members. The university plans to establish a system that can efficiently group faculty members by major and enhance the flexibility of academic operations. Specific improvement measures will be discussed primarily by the colleges and the Office of Academic Affairs. The second task is to respond to the QS World University Rankings. Due to its specialization in the aerospace field, Korea Aerospace University has not previously placed significant emphasis on world university rankings centered on comprehensive universities. However, moving forward, the university plans to systematically analyze faculty research achievements and domestic and international reputations to prepare for entry into the rankings, focusing on the aerospace sector. The Office of Planning requested the cooperation of faculty members in compiling a list of domestic and international academic and industrial figures to participate in the QS reputation survey. As QS requires the submission of 400 academic and 400 industry figures, he urged the university to recommend 150 academics and 100 employers by utilizing joint researchers and industry networks within each college. The third task is to establish Korea Aerospace University's status as a hub for industry-university cooperation in the northern Gyeonggi region. Gyeonggi Province and Goyang Special City have proposed the creation of an aerospace, defense, and drone cluster centered around Korea Aerospace University as a major policy objective. President Huh emphasized that this year, being early in the terms of local government heads, is the opportune time to concretize cooperation between the university and local governments, and requested active proposals from faculty members to identify relevant projects. The fourth task is to formulate a business plan for the ‘KAU (Ilsan) Industry-Academic Convergence Center’ to be built in Baekseok-dong, Goyang City. Korea Aerospace University (KAUT) applied for a space with an exclusive area of 3,307 square meters (approximately 1,000 pyeong) located on the 2nd to 4th floors of the Baekseok Business Building, owned by Goyang City, as its first priority. The university plans to utilize this space primarily for three sectors: education, research, and entrepreneurship. In the education sector, it will operate aviation safety training courses and aerospace education programs for the public. In the research sector, it will house faculty laboratories and research institutes, while in the entrepreneurship sector, it will provide spaces to support startups by students and faculty. Aside from the space directly utilized by the university, it plans to attract aerospace-related companies and research institutes. The Office of External Affairs requested that faculty members actively utilize their industry-academia networks. The fifth task is the opening of the Jeju Jeongseok Flight Training Center. With Korean Air withdrawing from the operation of the training center, KAUT has taken over the management of the facility, which spans approximately 460,000 pyeong. The university is currently establishing a comprehensive master plan for the operation and development of the training center. KAUT plans to expand flight training centered on the Jeju Jeongseok Flight Training Center while maintaining its existing flight training infrastructure in Uljin. In particular, the plan is to develop the Jeongseok Flight Training Center into a flight education research and development platform on par with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the U.S. and Cranfield University in the UK by introducing a data-driven education and evaluation system utilizing technologies such as electroencephalography (EEG) and eye-tracking. The sixth project is the Global Campus to be established at Incheon International Airport's Terminal 2. Korea Aerospace University plans to use the Global Campus as a base to expand contract departments linked with industry and develop diverse international education programs. The university is currently conducting detailed consultations with relevant agencies with the goal of opening in early 2027. Once the Global Campus opens, field-oriented education and international exchanges are expected to be significantly strengthened by leveraging the industrial and educational infrastructure of Incheon International Airport. The general faculty meeting also included reports on key tasks by administrative departments. The Office of Academic Affairs reported on an amendment to the sabbatical leave regulations that changes the unit for calculating the number of faculty members on sabbatical leave from the existing majors and departments to colleges. They also provided guidance on a plan to lower the recognition ratio for co-authors in faculty performance evaluations, which will be applied starting with the 2027 results. In addition, they requested stricter management of exams and attendance in response to the proliferation of wearable devices, as well as compliance with the ethical guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence in universities published by the Korean Council for University Education last August. The Office of Research Cooperation announced that it will launch a Shared Equipment Center after the end of October, which will allow for the inquiry, reservation, and use of on-campus research equipment to be processed within a single system. Furthermore, it explained that to respond to the 2027 National Research Institute project, ‘NRL 2.0,’ the university has devised a plan to establish a ‘National Research Institute for Space Energy’ and formed a strategic task force involving faculty members from various majors. The university plans to increase the utilization of shared research equipment while simultaneously strengthening its foundation for securing large-scale national research projects in the aerospace sector. Professor Choi Dong-chan of the Department of Space Engineering obtained his bachelor's and doctoral degrees in industrial engineering from Sungkyunkwan University and served as a senior researcher at the Agency for Defense Development. Professor Jang Won-geun of the Department of Mechanical Engineering graduated from KAIST with a degree in Aerospace Engineering, received a doctoral degree in hypersonics from the University of Queensland in Australia, and worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oxford in the UK. Professor Shin Jeong-ho, a professor of Semiconductor and Advanced Materials, graduated from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Hanyang University and received his Ph.D. from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at KAIST. He previously served as an assistant professor at the University of Science and Technology (UST) and as a senior researcher at the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI). Professor Byun Hong-soo, a professor of Computer Engineering, obtained his Bachelor's and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Engineering from Sogang University and worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the same university. Professor Kang Su-min, a professor of Logistics, graduated from the Department of Logistics at Korea Aerospace University and received his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Virginia Tech in the United States. He served as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands and as a lecturer at Virginia Tech. Professor Kang Eun-ho, a professor at the Graduate School of Aerospace Policy, graduated from the Department of Public Administration at Yonsei University and received a Master's degree in International Development Policy from Duke University in the United States. He previously served as the Administrator of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and as a professor in the Department of Advanced Defense Industry at Jeonbuk National University. Based on the six key initiatives presented at this general faculty meeting, Korea Aerospace University plans to strengthen its competitiveness as a university specializing in aerospace by simultaneously pursuing innovation in education and research, industry-academia collaboration, and the expansion of regional and global hubs. Photos
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Park Jang-sun Lounge opens at Korea Aerospace University’s academic information center Chairman Park Jang-sun donates an additional 1 billion Won”
- Cumulative total of 2 billion won following the first donation in 2024; creation of a multi-purpose student space - A relationship that began in 1998: “Giving back the trust with a donation to the university” - President Heo Hee-young: “I hope the entrepreneur’s generosity spreads beyond the university” - Space for study, relaxation, and job preparation reflecting student opinions
Diplomacy Journal Kim Tae Yeon | Park Jang-sun, Chairman of Today Art Co., Ltd., has pledged to donate an additional 1 billion won to the Korea Aerospace University development fund. This is his second donation, following the 1 billion won pledged in September 2024, bringing the cumulative total to 2 billion won. On the morning of September 3, the Korea Aerospace University held an opening ceremony for the “Park Jang-sun Lounge,” named after Chairman Park, on the first floor of the Academic Information Center on campus. The Park Jang-sun Lounge is a multi-purpose student space created by renovating the first-floor lobby of the Academic Information Center using the development fund donated by Chairman Park in 2024. It features a study zone where students can study together, a beanbag area for comfortable relaxation, and an interview zone for job interview preparation. The opening ceremony proceeded with congratulatory remarks by Korea Aerospace University President Heo Hee-young, a response speech by Chairman Park Jang-sun, and words of gratitude from Student Council President Hong Seok-dam, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the unveiling of the plaque, and the presentation of certificates of appreciation and donation. After the event, attendees toured the ‘Today Art Hall,’ established through Chairman Park’s previous donation, and the trees planted on campus last year to commemorate the conferment of his honorary doctorate. The event was attended by Chairman Park Jang-sun, Today Art Co., Ltd. Vice President Lee So-yoon, and Director Park Min-jae, as well as Park Jong-seok, Chairman of the Seoul Regional Headquarters of the Korea Federation of SMEs; Kim Yun-jung, Chairman of the Seoul Printing Cooperative; Kim Chung-bok, Chairman of the Gyeonggi Printing Cooperative; Park Chang-yong, Chairman of the Daegu Printing Cooperative; and Shin Tae-ak, Chairman of the Chungbuk Printing Cooperative. Former Chairman of the Korea Printing Cooperative Federation Ko Su-gon, Chairman of the Korea Processed Food Cooperative Federation Heo Im-wook, and Chairman of the Korea Blockchain Business Cooperative Oh Jong-wook also joined the event. From Korea Aerospace University, President Heo Hee-young, Chair Professor Hong Nam-ki, Professor Shin Dong-sik, Dean of the Graduate School Ahn Jun-sun, Director of Planning Hwang Wan-sik, Secretary General Choi Byung-kwon, Director of External Relations Kim Sang-woo, and Director of Admissions Kim Hwi-yang attended to celebrate the opening. During his address, Chairman Park briefly paused to speak while introducing his long-standing relationship with Professor Shin Dong-sik of Korea Aerospace University. The two first met in 1998. At the time, Chairman Park, who desperately needed facility investment for business expansion but was unable to secure funds, sought out Professor Shin, who was working as a manager at the Korea Small Business & Venture Corporation. Chairman Park recalled, “I was walking a path where I couldn’t see the way forward, but thanks to your trust, I was able to secure a loan of 1.8 billion won. That served as a stepping stone and a starting point, enabling me to launch the business I have today.” Over the approximately 30 years that have passed since then, Chairman Park explored new growth possibilities in the printing industry and pioneered the market for K-POP albums and merchandise. Today Art Co., Ltd. grew into a leading domestic printing company specializing in K-POP, and the bond between the two has continued steadily. After Professor Shin joined Korea Aerospace University, Chairman Park pondered how to repay the gratitude he had long held and decided to donate to the university's development fund. Chairman Park stated, “While contemplating how to repay this kindness, I decided to donate to the school,” adding, “I donated 1 billion won and have decided to donate another 1 billion won.” He continued, “My connection with Korea Aerospace University does not end here,” and added, “As a businessman, I will work even harder and do my best to become an entrepreneur who continues to donate.” In his congratulatory remarks, President Heo Hee-young emphasized the social responsibility of entrepreneurs and the significance of sharing. President Heo said, “It is not easy in itself to start a business from scratch, create jobs, pay taxes, and grow the company, but giving back the money earned in that way to society is a much more difficult task,” and added, “I express my deep gratitude to Chairman Park Jang-sun for making this difficult decision.” President Heo also introduced the changes made to the Today Art Hall through Chairman Park’s donation. He stated, “In just one year after remodeling a space that was once used like a warehouse, it has become a place that children visit every day,” adding, “I believe the Academic Information Center will also become a meaningful space for students in the future. I hope the Chairman’s vision spreads far beyond Korea Aerospace University.” Hong Seok-dam, the Student Council President, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the students. President Hong said, “The large donation of 1 billion won is surprising, but it is even more meaningful that his spirit has returned as a space where students can study and talk every day,” adding, “Students’ opinions were heavily reflected in the remodeling process, so we have created not only resting areas but also spaces for practicing interviews.” He continued, “I hope the students who prepared their dreams here will grow into outstanding individuals who can share their warm hearts with others.” The relationship between Chairman Park and Korea Aerospace University began in earnest in September 2024. Based on the 1 billion won donated by Chairman Park at the time, the university renamed the auditorium on the first floor of the SME Venture Support Center the ‘Today Art Hall’ and completely remodeled it. Currently, a children's musical featuring Korea Aerospace University's official character, "Mach," is being performed on a regular basis at Today Art Hall. It is also utilized as an educational and cultural hub for local children and youth. In July 2025, Korea Aerospace University awarded Chairman Park an honorary doctorate in business administration in recognition of his contributions to technological innovation in the domestic printing industry and the globalization of K-POP, as well as his consistent practice of sharing for the local community and underprivileged. Subsequently, with the opening of the Park Jang-sun Lounge in September 2026, the relationship between Chairman Park and the university has borne its third fruit, following the establishment of Today Art Hall and the awarding of the honorary doctorate. Chairman Park Jang-sun founded Myungjin Art Co., Ltd., the predecessor of Today Art Co., Ltd., in 1997 and pioneered the market for K-POP albums and merchandise packaging. By introducing smart factories and eco-friendly printing systems, he grew the company into a leading domestic printing enterprise. In recognition of these contributions, Chairman Park received the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit at the 2025 Korea Small and Medium Business Conference. Currently, he serves as Vice Chairman of the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business and Chairman of the Cultural Content Promotion Committee, the 24th President of the Korea Printing Cooperative Federation, and Chairman of the Jung-gu Talent Development Scholarship Foundation. He is also active as the Chairman of the General Assembly for the 2026 World Printing Congress. Furthermore, as the 351st member of the Honor Society Seoul, a group of high-net-worth donors, he continues to engage in charitable activities for the local community and the underprivileged.
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Venerable Jinwoo elected as 38th president of the Korean Buddhist Jogye Order, “Second-term president after 13 years”
--All 321 members of the Electoral College voted. Ven. Jinwoo won by a margin of 45 votes over Ven. Gyeongu with 183 votes --Following ratification by the Council of Elders on the 4th, his second four-year term begins on September 28 --“Gathering consensus and becoming one through empathy to open a new century for Korean Buddhism”
Diplomacy Journal Kim Tae Yeon | Ven. Jinwoo, the incumbent President of the Korean Buddhist Jogye Order, has been elected as the 38th president, successfully securing a consecutive term. The Central Election Commission of the Jogye Order announced on the 3rd that Ven. Jinwoo, Candidate Number 3, was elected with 183 votes in the election for the 38th President held at the Traditional Culture and Arts Performance Hall of the Korean Buddhist History and Culture Memorial Hall in the Jongno-gu Ward in Seoul. All 321 members of the electoral college participated in this election, including 81 members of the Central Council and 240 diocesan electors elected from 24 diocesan headquarters nationwide. Candidate No. 1, Venerable Gyeongu, received 138 votes, with no invalid votes. Venerable Jinu secured a majority, defeating Venerable Gyeongu by 45 votes. With this election, Venerable Jinu will serve consecutive terms as the 38th President of the Jogye Order, following his tenure as the 37th. This marks the first time in 13 years that an incumbent President of the Jogye Order has successfully served a consecutive term, the last being Venerable Jaseung, who was re-elected as the 34th President in 2013. It is also the second instance of a consecutive term since the Order's reform in 1994. “A New Leap Forward Based on the Stability and Harmony of the Order”: In his acceptance speech, Venerable Jinu expressed his gratitude to the Supreme Patriarch, the Venerable Elders, the abbots of diocesan headquarters, the electoral college, members of the Central Council, and the entire Buddhist community across the nation. Venerable Jinu stated, “I will accept today’s choice not as support for an individual, but as a solemn mandate to achieve a new leap forward for Korean Buddhism based on the stability and harmony of the Order.” He continued by emphasizing, “I will cherish all the relationships and opinions formed during the election process and listen with even greater humility so that no one is left out,” and added, “I will open up the future of the Order together with the dioceses and the fourfold assembly.” Venerable Jinu also stated, “I will try to gather public consensus, become one through empathy, and act with a selfless heart,” and added, “I will devote my utmost efforts to ushering in a new century for Korean Buddhism by making the Sangha more dignified, the Order more stable, and Buddhism more youthful and dynamic.” Representative of the Order and oversight of religious administration, immense authority and responsibility: According to the Order’s constitution, the President of the Jogye Order is the highest administrative official who represents the Order and oversees its administrative affairs. To become the President, one must meet the qualifications of a Bhikkhu with at least 30 years of monastic experience, at least 50 years of age, and a Dharma rank of Jongsa or higher. The President of the Korean Buddhist Jogye Order manages diocesan headquarters nationwide, such as Haeinsa, Tongdosa, and Songgwangsa, as well as approximately 3,000 temples, in accordance with the Order's Constitution and Bylaws. The President holds the authority to appoint and dismiss the Chief Abbots of the General Administration and the Head of the General Administration. The President supervises the assets of the Order and its temples, exercises the right to approve the disposal of major assets, and possesses the authority to approve and adjust the budgets of important temples, including directly managed temples and temples with special contributions. In addition, the President serves as the ex officio Chairman of the Board of Directors of Jungang Sangha University, the ex officio President of the Council of Korean Buddhist Orders, and the Co-Chair of the Council of Religious Leaders of Korea, performing a role representing the Korean Buddhist and religious communities. Rental by the Council of Elders on the 4th, term begins on the 28th: The Jogye Order will hold a meeting of the Council of Elders at 2 p.m. on the 4th to proceed with the ratification process for the president-elect of the 38th General Administration. The Order's Constitution stipulates that the president-elect, chosen by the electoral college, must assume office following ratification by the Council of Elders. Upon ratification by the Council of Elders, Ven. Jinwoo will begin his second four-year term as the 38th President of the Jogye Order on September 28. Ven. Jinwoo entered monastic life under the tutelage of Ven. Baegun. He received the Sramanera precepts in 1978 at Bohyeon-sa Temple with Ven. Gwaneung as the preceptor, and the Full Ordination precepts in 1998 at Tongdo-sa Temple with Ven. Cheongha as the preceptor. He has served as the abbot of Sinheung-sa, Yongheung-sa, and Baekyang-sa Temples, as well as holding positions such as the Chief of the Jogye Order Secretariat, Head of the Department of Dharma Protection, Head of the Planning Office, Head of the General Affairs Department, Acting President of the Jogye Order, President of the Buddhist Newspaper, and the 8th President of the Education Institute. He took office as the 37th President in 2022 and has led the administration of the Order ever since. During his second term, key tasks are expected to emerge, including strengthening diocesan authority, improving the welfare of monks and nuns, elevating the status of Bhikkhunī, reforming the election system for the President, spreading a culture of meditation and practice, and globalizing K-Buddhism. Attention is focused on whether Ven. Jinwoo will achieve harmony within the Buddhist order and lay a new foundation for the growth of Korean Buddhism, based on the slogan "From Stability to Leap Forward" presented during the election process.
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Tanzanian ambassador, Tanzanian delegation visit Korea Aerospace University
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Damhwa Seonchang (Zen Window of Damhwa) recommends, Before coveting other positions, do your best for the one you currently have
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The host of the World Peace Art Exhibition donates 25 Folk Art Paintings to Seoul Southern Correctional Institution
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The Korea Aerospace University holds General Faculty Meeting on the first day of the second semester, “Presenting 6 Key Initiatives for the Second Half”
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Park Jang-sun Lounge opens at Korea Aerospace University’s academic information center Chairman Park Jang-sun donates an additional 1 billion Won”
