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Conducted from September 9 to 13 at Main and West Gates Aimed at Preventing Accidents Involving Personal Mobility Devices [September 11, 2024] YU (President CHOI Oe-chool) launched a campus-wide electric kickboard safety campaign to coincide with the start of the second semester. The campaign, held at the university’s main gate, involved about 20 participants, including members from the YU Student Support Team, Safety Management Team, and the Student Clubs Union (Chairman Byeon Sang-jin). This safety campaign was initiated to prevent accidents due to the increasing use of personal mobility devices (PMs) like electric kickboards.The campaign provided students with guidance on the correct usage of personal mobility devices, the importance of wearing helmets while riding, safety rules for using electric kickboards on campus, and designated parking areas for shared kickboards. BYEON Sang-jin (Chairman of the Student Clubs Union, Junior, Mechanical Engineering) who participated in the campaign stated, "I hope my fellow students will follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents while using personal mobility devices." HAN Yong-hee, Director of the Student Affairs Office, remarked, "We hope that this campaign helps spread a culture of safe use of electric kickboards and other personal mobility devices on campus, and we will continue to work towards creating a safer campus environment."
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Recognized as an Alumnus for Significant Contributions to University Development Through Large Donations YU Metallurgical Engineering Alumnus ('81) Donates KRW100 Million to Support Alma Mater and Future Generations Founded Mirae Thermotech in 2000, Growing it into Korea’s Leading Heat Surface Treatment Company [September 13, 2024] <From the left, CEO BAE Jin-beom and President CHOI Oe-chool> In the morning of the 12th, YU (President CHOI Oe-chool) selected Bae Jin-beom, CEO of Mirae Thermotech, as a member of Chunma Honors and awarded him a certification plaque. “Chunma Honors” is a donor courtesy program which was established by YU in 2020. It was established to honor major donors who contributed in development of the university and to spread a new donation culture at the university. BAE Jin-beom, a graduate of Yeungnam University's Department of Metallurgical Engineering (Class of ’81), is the CEO of Mirae Thermotech, a company specializing in thermal surface treatment. He has shown exceptional dedication to his alma mater, donating ₩100 million in 2021 to support university development. Since founding Mirae Thermotech in 2000, BAE has continuously invested in research and development, overcoming the limitations faced by small businesses through technological innovations in heat treatment. His efforts have led the company to expand its global competitiveness in overseas markets. BAE’s contributions to national industrial development were recognized with the Prime Minister's Award at the 2011 and 2013 Root Technology Competitions, and in 2017, Future Thermotech was designated as a promising small business for exports by the Small and Medium Venture Business Administration. At the plaque presentation ceremony, BAE Jin-beom expressed his gratitude, saying, "The knowledge I gained at the university greatly helped me in managing my business. I donated simply because I wanted to give something back to the university, so I am grateful for this honorable recognition. I hope my contribution will aid the university’s development and support future students in their studies." <Second from left, President CHOI Oe-chool, CEO BAE Jin-beom, and his spouse LEE Yoon-hee YU President CHOI Oe-chool stated, "On behalf of the university, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to CEO Bae for continuously supporting his alma mater and Mirae generations. CEO Bae's remarkable achievements in building a successful business through relentless effort and technological innovation serve as a true inspiration. We are committed to fostering talented individuals who will contribute not only to Korea's prosperity but also to the global community. We hope CEO Bae will continue to support and take an interest in the university's progress." YU selects donors who have contributed greatly for development of the university and have great social recognition and influence among individuals and institutions (groups) that have donated more than KRW 100 million for development funds and grants them membership of “Cheuma Honors.” Until now, over 100 individuals and organizations (institutions) have been selected as members and YU is holding a certification plaque presentation ceremony for the individuals and organizations selected as the members. YU established and operates a donor courtesy program, including awarding certification plaques to Chunma Honors members and invites them as foreign guests to major university events.
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Participates in the 2024 Ministry of the Interior and Safety's invited training program on the Saemaul Movement Nine Participants, Including Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, University Professors, and Village Leaders, Learn about the Saemaul Movement at YU President CHOI Oe-chool Gives Special Lecture on ‘The Saemaul Movement and the Role of Leaders’ [September 3, 2024] A training delegation from the Central African Republic visited Yeungnam University (President CHOI Oe-chool) to learn about the Saemaul Movement. From August 21 to 29, the delegation spent 8 days and 9 nights at YU for the "African Saemaul Movement Invitational Training." The group included nine participants from the Central African Republic, comprising government officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, village leaders, university professors, and journalists. The program focused on enhancing policy-making capabilities by educating officials and community leaders on the policy implications of the Saemaul Movement. It aimed to share Korea’s development experience and create a human foundation for effectively promoting the Saemaul Movement in the Central African Republic. Participants attended various lectures on Saemaul studies, including President CHOI Oe-chool's special lecture on 'The Saemaul Movement and the Role of Leaders,' as well as sessions on the basic spirit of the Saemaul Movement, Saemaul Movement and Korean rural development policies, reforestation efforts, and the empowerment of women through village organizations. The program also included field trips and cultural experiences, such as visits to the Cheongdo Saemaul Movement Origin Memorial Hall, Gyeongbuk Agricultural Technology Center, Gyeongsan Market, Bukchon Hanok Village, Myeongdong, and Namdaemun Market. Professor Kerebi Henri Clotaire from the University of Bangui, who participated in the training, remarked, “The development experience of Korea through the Saemaul Movement is essential for the Central African Republic, which faces economic difficulties despite its abundant resources. I will strive to effectively utilize and disseminate the knowledge gained from YU, which leads in imparting the Saemaul Movement to the international community, to benefit the Central African Republic.” President CHOI Oe-chool of YU commented, “I believe that Korea’s development experience, especially the Saemaul Movement, can serve as a model for overcoming poverty and economic development in Africa and as a basis for national development policies. Learning directly from YU, which has systematized and institutionalized the Saemaul Movement, holds great significance. I hope that the application and utilization of Saemaul studies and spirit by the training participants will contribute to the development of the Central African Republic.” The Yeungnam University Institute for International Development Cooperation (IIDC), which oversaw this training, provides theoretical and practical training on the Saemaul Movement and Saemaul studies to developing countries through short-term training programs. The IIDC aims to strengthen policy capabilities related to rural development and community development in the training target countries, improving community development, farm income, and quality of life. To date, more than 3,300 trainees from 48 countries have participated in these programs.
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- 2024. 09. 12
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Alumni Couple Donates Development Fund for YU Alumni, Alma Mater, and Younger Students Founded David & Young Co. Inc. after immigrating to the U.S., contributing to the expansion of Korean goods exports The Statue displayed in YU Central Library to honor 'Large Donors' [September 4, 2024] <YU unveiled a Statue of David Duk Chong Yoo & Christine Yoo on August 26 in a ceremony honoring the couple’s contributions> YU (President CHOI Oe-chool) held the bust unveiling ceremony for David Duk Chong Yoo & Christine Yoo on the 26th. The Statue is displayed in the donor recognition space on the left side of the entrance of YU’s Central Library.David Duk Chong Yoo & Christine Yoo were recognized for their significant contributions to expanding the export of Korean goods and pioneering wholesale markets in the U.S. as entrepreneurs, as well as for their donations to their alma mater, YU, aimed at supporting its development and fostering a culture of giving. Both David Duk Chong Yoo (Class of '59, Economics) and Christine Yoo (Class of '61, English Language and Literature) are alumni of YU. After emigrating to New Jersey in 1972, they overcame challenging circumstances to establish David & Young Co. Inc., which contributed to expanding the export of Korean goods to the U.S. wholesale market. David Duk Chong Yoo held various leadership positions, including Senior Vice President of the Korean American Association of Greater New York in 1982, President of the Korean American Chamber of Commerce of New York in 1984, a volunteer member of the '88 Seoul Olympic Support Committee, and Director of the Korean Sports Council in the U.S. East Coast. Recognized for his contributions to the export of Korean goods to the U.S. and his various volunteer activities in the Korean American community, he was awarded the National Medal of Honor by the South Korean government in 1987. <Mr. YOO Young-hyun and his wife express gratitude on behalf of David Duk Chong Yoo & Christine Yoo.> Despite working in the U.S., Chairman YOO has consistently demonstrated a deep affection for his alma mater. He served as the second president of YU’s New York Alumni Association from 1991 to 1992, and in 1995, he received an honorary doctorate in economics from YU in recognition of his achievements in growing a business under difficult conditions as an immigrant. In 1997, he became the first overseas alumnus to receive the 'Proud YU Alumnus Award.' David Duk Chong Yoo & Christine Yoo, both of whom experienced poverty in their early years, have shown particular interest in supporting students who face financial difficulties. In 1995, they established the DAVID & CHRISTINE YOO Scholarship Foundation after their names, and in 1995, they endowed the David Duk Chong Yoo & Christine Yoo Globalization Scholarship at YU to support juniors to become global talents. <The families of David Duk Chong Yoo & Christine Yoo and the scholarship recipients took a commemorative photo together.> Mr. YOO Young-hyun, the eldest son who attended the bust unveiling ceremony on behalf of David Duk Chong Yoo & Christine Yoo, said, “As an immigrant, I admire my father, who has grown a company with his outstanding leadership and management skills in the harsh American society, and my mother, who has always been a reliable companion by his side, contributing to the development of Korean companies and the Korean community. It is meaningful that the statue of my father and mother, who missed their alma mater with great affection from afar and were anxious to help, have been erected.” ”I hope that the dedication and contributions of my father and mother will be remembered by my alma mater for a long time. I will continue to honor their achievements and spirit of sharing and carry on their will.” YU President CHOI Oe-chool said, “We are pleased to hold the unveiling ceremony of the alumni couple bust of David Duk Chong Yoo & Christine Yoo today, and we are grateful for the good influence they have shown to our alma mater and our younger generation over the years. I admire them for overcoming hardships and adversity as entrepreneurs, contributing to raising the status of Korea, and consistently sharing with their alma mater and alumni from afar. We will do our best to ensure that their precious intentions, demonstrated through their generous donations for their alma mater and alumni, will serve as a foundation for YU to drive the development of Korea and nurture talented individuals who contribute to human society."
- PR team
- 2024. 09. 12
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Achieves 2nd consecutive victory at Gurye University Ssirum Championship Secures second title of the year following the Korean Sports Council President’s Cup HONG Ji-heun crowned champion in the Jangsa division, clinching his 6th title this season [August 29, 2024] <The YU Ssirum team and parents celebrate winning the team competition at the 16th Gurye Women’s Cheonha Jangsa and University Jangsa Ssirum Competition.> YU (President CHOI Oe-chool) has once again established itself as a powerhouse in university ssirum. On August 23, at the 16th Gurye Women’s Cheonha Jangsa and University Jangsa Ssirum Competition held at Gurye Indoor Gymnasium in Jeollanam-do, the YU Ssirum Team (Coach Heo Yong) won the university team competition, marking their second consecutive victory at this event. Following their victory in last year’s competition, the YU Ssirum Team successfully defended their title. Additionally, after winning the Korean Sports Council President’s Cup in April, the team secured their second championship and back-to-back wins this season, reaffirming their status as the nation’s top university ssirum team. <HONG Ji-heun, who took first place in the Jangsa division at the 16th Gurye Women's Cheonha Jangsa and University Jangsa Ssirum Competition, celebrates his 6th title of the season.> Despite facing challenges due to injuries ahead of the competition, captain KIM Min-jae (4th year, Faculty of Physical Education), along with KIM Nam-woo and SHIM Yoo-chan (1st year, Department of Special Physical Education), delivered outstanding performances. The team defeated Kyung Hee University 4-2 in the semifinals and Dong-A University 4-1 in the finals to secure the championship. In the individual competition, HONG Ji-heun (3rd year, Faculty of Physical Education) won the Jangsa division, celebrating his 6th title of the season. The award for Outstanding Coach, which is traditionally given to the coach of the winning team, was presented to Assistant Coach LEE Seung-ho, a gesture of recognition from Head Coach HEO Yong. Coach HEO Yong said, "This team victory is the result of the unity and dedication of all 12 players, not just those who competed. I extend my gratitude to all the players who worked hard together to achieve this win, and to Assistant Coach LEE Seung-ho, who has consistently given his best in training our athletes.” Meanwhile, YU’s Ssirum Team, established in 1954 and celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, continues to maintain its status as the top-ranked university ssirum team in the country, following last year’s ranking. This success highlights the team’s rich history and tradition.
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- 2024. 09. 12
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YU and LIG Nexone Host '2024 Defense Industry Job Camp' Instructors from various job fields offer intensive job-focused education during a 3-day, 2-night camp Mentoring program provides students with real-world insights on recruitment, job roles, and corporate life [August 27, 2024] In a collaborative effort to cultivate talent in the defense industry, a key sector in the region, YU(President CHOI Oe-chool) and Gyeongsangbuk-do partnered with LIG Nexone, a leading defense company, to host the 2024 Defense Industry Job Camp. The training, which was held at the Gyowon Dream Center in Gyeongju from August 21 to 23, was attended by 67 students from YU. The camp featured numerous LIG Nexone professionals as instructors, who delivered lectures on the defense industry and conducted job-specific competency training. During the camp, LIG Nexone employees also mentored students, providing valuable insights into recruitment, job roles, and daily corporate life. On the final day, a talk session with the company's HR team allowed students to engage in a Q&A about job functions, desired candidate qualities, and workplace culture. JEONG Jin-uk (4th-year, Department of Mechanical Engineering at YU) shared his experience: “It was a beneficial opportunity to learn practical knowledge that's hard to gain through regular coursework. Understanding the defense industry and receiving detailed job training have helped me consider my future career path after graduation. The knowledge gained during this camp will also be a strong asset in writing resumes or preparing for interviews.” LIG Nexone's Vice President, LEE Geon-hyuk, who delivered a special lecture on the future of the defense industry, stated, "I commend the students for their enthusiasm in learning about the defense industry, a field not easily accessible in a university setting. I hope this camp helps students gain valuable knowledge about the industry and LIG Nexone, and serves as a useful resource in exploring their career paths." JEON In, Director of Career Services at YU and Head of the University Job Plus Center, who coordinated the camp, commented, “This camp is a collaborative educational program designed to introduce the defense industry and provide job-specific training. YU will continue to support students in strengthening their employment competencies by developing various industry-university cooperative education programs and job-related training initiatives tailored to the needs of companies.”
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On the 22nd, degrees were awarded to graduate school graduates, etc., in Cheonma Art Center Grand Hall The colleges and graduate schools produced 77 doctorate, 316 master, and 896 bachelor degrees. 208 international students, including PSPS graduates, received degrees [August 22, 2024] YU (President CHOI Oe-chool) held “2023 Second-Semester Degree Conferment Ceremony” on the 22nd. All doctoral degree recipients and representatives of master's degree recipients from general graduate schools attended the graduation ceremony held at YU Cheonma Art Center Grand Hall and President CHOI Oe-chool and President Choi Oe-chul and Dean LEE Byeong-jun of graduate school awarded degrees to the graduates and congratulated them. <President CHOI Oe-chool conferring degrees at the Second-Semester Degree Conferment Ceremony of YU 2023.> Individual colleges and seven special graduate schools—including Graduate School of Environmental Health, Graduate School of Culture and Art Design, Graduate School of Sports Science, Graduate School of Education, Graduate School of Engineering, and Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul (PSPS)—also held separate degree conferral ceremonies. On this day, YU conferred degrees on 896 bachelor's graduates, 316 master's graduates, and 77 doctoral graduates. Among them were 208 international students (89 bachelor's, 88 master's, and 31 doctorates), and 115 undergraduate students received multiple degrees for completing two or more majors. <Chairman HAN Jae-sook of Yeongnam School Corporation gives a congratulatory speech> <President CHOI Oe-chool delivers a commemorative speech at the degree conferral ceremony> During his commemorative speech, President CHOI Oe-chool remarked, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all who have earned these honorable degrees through their dedication and hard work. I also express my deepest gratitude and respect to the parents who have nurtured their children with love and sacrifice, and to the professors and staff who have educated them with passion and faith.” He continued, “As you move forward, you will find yourselves in environments shaped by digital transformation and artificial intelligence, living and working alongside people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. You will also face complex challenges such as climate change, wealth disparities, and an aging population. I am confident that you will overcome these challenges with the academic knowledge and experiences you have gained at YU, supported by the enduring spirit of the university’s community. I hope that YU graduates will grow into individuals who contribute not only to the advancement of Korea, with the dignity befitting a developed nation, but also to the resolution of global challenges for the collective prosperity of all.”
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- 2024. 08. 28
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In July, YU students swept the awards at the inaugural Korean Student Startup Week, including the Grand Prize, Excellence Award, and Encouragement Awards. Team 'Moment by Moment' wins the Grand Prize in the Customer Discovery BMC (Business Model Canvas) category YU's SCOUT program leads the advancement of entrepreneurship education. [August 20, 2024] <The 'Moment by Moment' team from the Department of Korean Language and Literature at YU, winners of the Grand Prize at the Ministry of Education's Korean Student Startup Week> YU students won the Grand Prize at the inaugural Korean Student Startup Week, held this past July. The Korean Student Startup Week, organized for the first time this year, was a collaborative effort between the Seoul Metropolitan Government, various government bodies, public institutions, 35 universities nationwide, and private companies. The event aimed to bridge the gap in entrepreneurship education across regions and to foster an entrepreneurial spirit among students. Held over five days in July, the event attracted over 1,200 participants ranging from elementary school students to university students. The "Moment by Moment" team, comprised of YU students CHEON Jong-hyun, PARK Chun-hwan, and CHO Min-hyung from the Department of Korean Language and Literature, won the Grand Prize in the Customer Discovery BMC (Business Model Canvas) category. Additionally, CHOO Yang-woo from the Department of Food Service Industry won the Excellence Award in the Discovery Startup category, while JANG Moon-gi from the School of Mechanical Engineering and LEE Kang-min received Encouragement Awards in the Regional Project and Inclusive Growth categories, respectively. Professor Jeon In, head of YU’s SCOUT (STARTUP Co-Op University for Transition of edu) program, commented, “This Student Startup Week provided a valuable opportunity for students to bring their creative ideas to life. We will continue to support the students so their entrepreneurial ideas can evolve into actual businesses.” The SCOUT program, supported by the Ministry of Education and the National Research Foundation of Korea, is designed to expand the network of entrepreneurship education hub universities and to establish a regional entrepreneurship education foundation. This program aims to cultivate universities that contribute to regional community entrepreneurship education through establishing partnerships with local governments. The total project period is 5 years, the selected universities will receive KRW 750 million in support every year, and YU is the host university of the Daegyeong-Gangwon consortium (YU, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Keimyung University, Andong National University, and POSTECH) to lead the advancement of entrepreneurship education at local universities.
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A special performance to express gratitude on the occasion of YU's 77th anniversary On August 9th, Free musical performance at the Grand Hall of Cheonma Art Center Event dedicated to those who contributed to the university's development, including faculty, alumni, donors, and local residents [August 13, 2024] <President CHOI Oe-chool of YU extends his gratitude to the audience at the musical performance.> Yeungnam University (President CHOI Oe-chool) hosted a special cultural performance on August 9 at 8 PM in the Grand Hall of the Cheonma Art Center, presenting the musical Yuk Young-soo, Acacia of That Era. This musical, organized by YU, was a special event held in celebration of the university's 77th anniversary. It aimed to express gratitude to alumni, university members, and local community members who have dedicated themselves to the development of the university. The performance was made even more meaningful thanks to the generous support of notable figures who have greatly contributed to YU’s growth, including NOH Hee-chan, Chairman of Samil Spinning Co.; LEE Si-won, Chairman of Bucheon Co., Ltd.; LEE Jong-woo, Chairman of Korea Homer Co., Ltd.; JEONG Tae-il, Chariman of OSG Korea Corporation ; HAN Jae-sook, Chairperson of the Yeongnam School Corporation; Lee Don, Chairman of the YU US General Alumni Association (Chairman of Active USA); PARK Jeong-kwan, Chairman of the Alumni Association in Seoul (Vice Chairman of WithPharm Co., Ltd); PARK Yoon-kyung, Chairman of the Daegu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Chairman of KK Co., Ltd.); BAEK Seo-jae, Chairman of Daeyoung Electronics Co., Ltd.; and HAN Sam-hwa, Chairman of Samhan C1 Co., Ltd. The musical portrayed the life of YUK Young-soo, the First Lady and wife of President PARK Chung-hee, the founder of Yeungnam University. It focused on her devoted support during President PARK’s tenure and her deep compassion for the underprivileged. Actress KIM Hyo-sun, known for her roles in the drama Kill Heel, Age of Warriors, and the movie Dongbaek, played the role of YUK Young-soo, while actor SHIM Min-ho, who starred in the musical PARK Chung-hee three years ago, reprised his role as President Park. Their performances moved the packed audience with an emotional portrayal of the era. President CHOI Oe-chool remarked, “As we celebrate YU's 77th anniversary, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all those who have contributed to the development of our university, including former and current faculty members, local residents, relevant officials, alumni, and donors. I am especially grateful to the local community and stakeholders who have continuously supported YU.” He added, “This special musical performance was prepared to commemorate both the university’s 77th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the passing, as well as the 100th birth anniversary, of First Lady YUK Young-soo, the wife of our university's founder, President PARK Chung-hee. We are thankful to have had the opportunity to invite all those who support YU, including alumni, donors, university members, and local residents. I would also like to express my thanks to former Presidents Lee Sang-chun, LEE Hyo-soo, and SUR Gil-soo, former President of Yeungnam University College LEE Ho-sung, and former President of the Daegu Chamber of Commerce & Industry JIN Young-hwan for joining us today. YU will continue to lead in nurturing talented individuals who contribute to the development of both our region and the broader human society. We ask for your continued interest and support as we aim to be selected for the upcoming Glocal University 30 project.”
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On the 9th, Book Launch for In Search of the Buried History of Joseon Royal Tombs Held at YU's Cheonma Art Center A compilation of over 20 years of firsthand exploration and reflections on the royal tombs "It's not about collecting, but sharing, that defines the value of life!" A lifetime of dedication to philanthropy by a successful entrepreneur [August 19, 2024] "The Joseon Royal Tombs are places where one can reflect on the past 500 years of history. To me, they are the most remarkable historical sites among all cultural heritages." Lee Jong-woo (age 85), Chairman of Korea Homer Co., Ltd., a successful entrepreneur who has overcome life’s hardships with a passion for learning and a steadfast belief that “sharing, not accumulating, determines the value of life,” has published a book titled In Search of the Buried History of Joseon Royal Tombs. The book reflects his exploration of the Joseon Dynasty's royal tombs and his reflections on 500 years of history. On August 9 at 3 PM, a book launch event for Chairman LEE's new publication was held at the LEE Siwon Global Convention Hall in the Cheonma Art Center at YU. The event was attended by notable figures including HAN Jae-sook, Chairperson of the Yeongnam School Corporation, board members LEE Si-won and KIM Jin-sam, YU President CHOI Oe-chool, and former YU Presidents LEE Sang-chun, LEE Hyo-soo, and SUR Gil-soo, as well as Park Jeong-Kwan, President of the YU Alumni Association in Seoul, all of whom gathered to celebrate the release. Students from the Songam LEE Jong-woo Scholarship Foundation also expressed their gratitude and congratulations through a video message. Chairman LEE commented, “This book is a culmination of my 20-plus years of exploration of the royal tombs, where I have gathered information and shared my thoughts on the 500-year history of the Joseon Dynasty and its royal tombs. Although I am not a historian by profession, my passion for these royal tombs led me to create this book. I hope it will serve as a small but meaningful guide for beginners interested in our precious cultural heritage, which includes the Joseon royal tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage site. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my alma mater and everyone who helped in the publication of this book.” In July 2021, Chairman LEE published his autobiography, Pine Tree Rooted in the Rock, which candidly recounts his life, marked by overcoming crises and challenges over more than 80 years. Chariman LEE was born in Japan in 1938 and returned to Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk in 1946 after the liberation of Korea, but then experienced the Korean War where he lived a tough and poor childhood. He did not receive official education, but had an undying thirst to learn. Thus, after being discharged from the Air Force and working as a civilian military employee, he decided to enroll at the YU Department of Mechanical Engineering in 1964 at the age of 27. Balancing work and studies, he completed his degree in four years, often bringing two homemade lunchboxes—one for lunch at work and one for dinner at school. In 1977, LEE founded Korea Homer Co., Ltd., a company specializing in the production of lightweight steel frames and partition materials. Through continuous research and technological development, he introduced innovative technologies that had not yet been implemented in Korea, contributing significantly to the localization of construction materials and the advancement of the industry. In the 1980s, his company secured major projects such as the construction of the 63 Building and the LG Twin Towers in Yeouido, which were among Asia's tallest buildings at the time, leading the company to remarkable growth. As strict as he is with himself, LEE is known for his generosity, particularly in the realm of philanthropy. In 2019, he made headlines by donating real estate valued at 5 billion KRW to his alma mater, YU. Observing the challenges faced by the university in renovating the Science Library, where he served as a board member of the Yeungnam School Cororation, LEE contributed a significant development fund, leading to the creation of the state-of-the-art LEE Jong-woo Science Library. To support students facing financial difficulties, LEE established the Songam Scholarship at YU in 2002 and has since donated over 1.4 billion KRW in scholarship funds. Beyond YU, he has also established the Songam LEE Jong-woo Scholarship Foundation, providing scholarship funds to high schools and universities across the nation, thus contributing to the cultivation of future leaders. In recognition of his contributions to education in Korea, Chairman LEE was awarded the Order of Civil Merit, Peony Medal, by the government in 2020. During the book launch, YU President CHOI Oe-chool delivered a congratulatory speech, stating, “I sincerely congratulate Chairman Lee Jong-woo on the publication of his second book, following his autobiography. As a distinguished alumnus of YU, Chairman Lee embodies the spirit of sharing and service, and he is a true hero who continually challenges himself with new endeavors. I express my deep respect and gratitude for his dedication to our alma mater and the local community. We will do our utmost to nurture talents who will contribute not only to Korea but to the global society, inspired by Chairman LEE's example of generosity and service.”
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- 2024. 08. 28
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