[Obituary] 'Pioneer of Nuclear Power' Changhyun Jung, Emeritus Professor at Seoul National University, Passes Away

Changhyun Jung, Professor Emeritus at Seoul National University

Changhyun Jung, Emeritus Professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering at Seoul National University, who was the first student admitted to the department and established the foundation of South Korea's nuclear power industry, passed away in the early morning of May 12. He was 85 years old.

Born in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do, the late Professor Jung is recognized as a figure who devoted his entire life to nuclear power research and talent development in South Korea.

He entered the newly established Department of Nuclear Engineering (now the Department of Nuclear Engineering) at Seoul National University in 1959 as the top student in the College of Engineering, at a time when South Korea's nuclear power sector was just beginning. He later earned his Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from MIT in 1970.

In 1971, he became the first person with a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering to be appointed as a professor at Seoul National University's Department of Nuclear Engineering. Until his retirement in 2006, he dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation and advancing nuclear research at his alma mater, laying the groundwork for the development of South Korea's nuclear power industry.

In recognition of his lifelong, dedicated contributions to nuclear power education and research, he was awarded the Moran Medal, a national order of merit, by the government of the Republic of Korea.

Nicknamed a "genius" in society, the late Professor Jung became well-known for his story of giving up on university after high school due to family circumstances following the loss of both parents in an accident, but later, encouraged by those around him, entered Seoul National University as the top student after studying for three months and sleeping only 22 times.

His main research field was the analysis of reactor dynamics, and the graduates he produced during his tenure have been pivotal in achieving self-sufficiency in nuclear technology in South Korea and leading K-nuclear power plant exports.

He is survived by his spouse, Do-hyung Shin; children, Youngwook Jung, Seunghye Jung, Juhye Jung, and Jueun Jung; daughter-in-law, Jungyeon Choi; son-in-law, Sehong Kim; and grandchildren, Taein Jung, Yuin Jung, Youngjae Kim, and Jinjae Kim. In accordance with his wishes, condolence money will be politely declined.

▲ Funeral hall: Room 31, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital Funeral Home (Gangnam St. Mary's Hospital); funeral service: 9:30 AM, May 14; burial: Seoul Memorial Park - Gwangneung Memorial Park.

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