Government Awards Presented to 129 Individuals Including Kim Seong-jin on Science and Information Communication Day

Minister of Science and ICT Choi Ki-young is delivering opening remarks on the 1st at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, ahead of a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hye to discuss cooperation in establishing a remote education infrastructure. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Junho] Professor Kim Sung-jin of Ewha Womans University, who developed a hydrogen micro-leak detection sensor for eco-friendly hydrogen vehicles and a material that converts thermal energy into electricity, received the Order of Science and Technology Innovation (1st class). Subsequently, government awards were given to individuals who contributed to new drug development, next-generation semiconductor technology, 5G commercialization, and service establishment.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 21st that it held a ceremony at the Korea Science and Technology Center to commemorate the 53rd Science Day (21st) and the 65th Information and Communication Day (22nd), awarding 129 people. On that day, only awards for 8 people were presented, and the ceremony was attended by key figures such as Minister Choi Ki-young of the Ministry of Science and ICT and Heo Wook, Standing Commissioner of the Korea Communications Commission.

The government awarded 79 people in the field of science and technology promotion and 50 people in the field of information and communication development this year. The government awarded Professor Kim the highest honor in the science and technology promotion category, the Order of Innovation, followed by seven others including CEO Cho Jung-woo of SK Biopharm, Principal Researcher Jang Jun-yeon of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology, and CEO Park Jung-ho of SK Telecom, who received the Order of Innovation (2nd class).

CEO Cho was recognized for significantly contributing to the development of the domestic pharmaceutical industry by developing the country's first epilepsy treatment drug and obtaining approval from the U.S. FDA. Researcher Jang received the award for leading the development of next-generation semiconductor core technologies, AI semiconductors?a key technology of the 4th Industrial Revolution?quantum computing technology, and spin logic device technology. CEO Park was highly praised for leading the world's first commercialization of 5G services, security, and media technology development and commercialization.

In the information and communication field, Chairman Jang Byung-kyu of Krafton Co., Ltd. was awarded the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit (2nd class) for serving as the inaugural chairman of the 4th Industrial Revolution Committee and presenting the government's direction for the 4th Industrial Revolution. Professor Kim Dong-gu of Yonsei University, who founded the world's first public-private cooperative 5G forum, was selected for the Hwangjo Geunjeong Medal (2nd class). Vice President Jeon Jae-ho of Samsung Electronics received the Bronze Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit (3rd class) for securing global leadership in 5G technology through the development of core 5G communication system technologies and commercial solutions.

Government award recipients were selected through public nominations and recommendations from science and ICT-related institutions, organizations, recommendation committees, and the private sector, followed by preliminary review (1st stage), main review (2nd stage), Ministry of Science and ICT merit review (3rd stage), government review, Cabinet meeting, and presidential approval. Notably, the government introduced a public nomination system only for the science and technology promotion category, selecting three people including one for the Science Technology Medal and two for the Prime Minister's Commendation.

The Ministry of Science and ICT plans to hold a separate full award ceremony in the second half of this year for all 129 government award recipients after the COVID-19 situation ends, to properly honor and award them. Additionally, 235 outstanding science teachers and 180 individuals with contributions to science and technology promotion, totaling 415 people, were selected as Minister's Commendation recipients. A total of 5,785 people, including 5,370 outstanding science children who demonstrated scientific curiosity and creativity, will also receive Minister's certificates.

Minister Choi Ki-young stated, "We will prepare for a prosperous digital transformation society, mobilize all science, technology, and ICT capabilities to create new industries and jobs, and strive to make our country a strong nation in bio and pharmaceuticals, playing a leading role in enhancing human health and happiness."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.