'Eccentric Professor' in Drama Becomes Next KAIST President (Summary)

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Holds Board Meeting on 18th to Elect Professor Lee Kwang-hyung as Next President

Kwang-Hyung Lee, the new president of KAIST. Photo by KAIST

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] On the 18th, Professor Emeritus Lee Kwang-hyung of the Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, who was elected as the next president of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), is an educator who values autonomy and creativity and a mentor who cultivated the 'KAIST venture startup DNA.'

Professor Lee is primarily known as the epitome of a 'quirky professor.' He was the real-life model for Professor Park Ki-hoon (played by Ahn Jung-hoon) in the 1999 drama "KAIST," which brought fame to KAIST. The drama depicted actual eccentricities of Professor Lee at the time, such as installing the TV in his lab upside down and tying his shoelaces unevenly. Rather than being a 'model student' devoted to apprenticeship-style education, he was a 'quirky scholar' who emphasized contrarian thinking, autonomy, freedom, and creativity, stressing that "Korea needs eccentrics." Until recently, while serving as Vice President for Academic Affairs, he even hung the organizational chart of his office upside down.

Professor Lee's philosophy, which values autonomy and creativity, is also well reflected in the 'statement of opinion' he released when challenging for the presidency. In the statement, he said, "I will create a 'questioning KAIST.' To nurture KAIST's talent ideal of 'global creative talent,' students must have 'big dreams.' To do so, they must be shown a broad world. I will encourage internships in various domestic and international industries and research sites and help students gain indirect experience through 'reading.' When they see something new, naturally 'questions' will arise?questions about the world and humanity. I will emphasize questioning as the highest virtue."

He also stated, "I will award the President's Prize for the King of Questions, King of Reading, and King of Challenges to instill the spirit of Hutzpah (bold challenge and provocation) from Israel."

Alongside this, Professor Lee was a mentor who advocated the importance of entrepreneurship and led the formation of KAIST's venture DNA. His 1997 book, "I Can Do Venture Business Too," actively encouraged startups and included detailed content on mindset during preparation, writing business plans, and investment negotiation techniques. This led to the actual venture startups and successes of his students. Among his students during his tenure in the Department of Computer Science were first-generation venture entrepreneurs such as Kim Jung-ju (Nexon), Kim Young-dal (IDIS), Shin Seung-woo (Neowiz), and Kim Jun-hwan (Olaworks).

In particular, Kim Jung-ju, founder of Nexon, famously recalled about Professor Lee, "In the chaotic early days, the only person I could rely on was Professor Lee Kwang-hyung," adding, "I owe him a great debt and no amount of thanks is enough." Professor Lee also worked to promote futures studies in Korea. He led the establishment of the MoonSul Graduate School of Future Strategy at KAIST and was the founding president of the Futures Studies Association.

Meanwhile, Professor Lee was selected as the final candidate for president at the KAIST extraordinary board meeting held that morning. Following the consent of the Minister of Education and approval by the Minister of Science and ICT, he will be officially appointed on the 23rd. His term is four years.

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