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Ambassadors from 20 African nations spotlight YU’s Saemaul Studies, elevating it as a key agenda for international cooperation YU draws strong interest from Africa’s diplomatic community as the global expansion of Saemaul Studies accelerates Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul has trained international development professionals from 81 countries and eight international organizations, including the World Bank and WFP President CHOI Oe-chool, ranked No. 4 globally in Leadership in the WURI rankings, pledges to support developing countries by sharing Korea’s development experience [July 9, 2026] <President CHOI Oe-chool delivers a special lecture at the invitation of the African Group of Ambassadors (AGA).> Yeungnam University (YU), led by President CHOI Oe-chool, is gaining recognition as a successful model of international development cooperation through education by expanding the scope of its educational diplomacy with African nations based on its Saemaul Studies program. On July 3, President CHOI delivered a special lecture at a meeting of the African Group of Ambassadors (AGA) held at the Seoul Club. The lecture was especially meaningful as it was arranged at the official invitation of Chafik Rachadi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Korea and Chair of the AGA. Over the years, leaders from major developing countries around the world have turned to YU to study Saemaul Studies. This time, however, ambassadors representing African nations directly invited President CHOI—who systematized the content of the Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement) into the academic discipline of Saemaul Studies—to deliver a lecture. This reflects how YU's Saemaul Studies has evolved beyond a training program or degree course to become a key agenda for international cooperation through official diplomatic channels. Ambassadors and diplomats from 20 African countries, including Morocco, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania, attended the lecture. The diplomatic representatives expressed strong interest in YU's Saemaul Studies and Korea's model of sharing its development experience, demonstrating high expectations for YU as a leading institution for cultivating professionals in Saemaul-based development across Africa. President CHOI delivered a one-hour lecture titled "Key Drivers of Korea's Development and Ideas for Sharing Them: YU's Model for Training Saemaul Undong Specialists." He introduced the achievements of the Saemaul Undong in helping Korea overcome extreme poverty and transform into an advanced nation, while explaining how YU has academically systematized the movement into Saemaul Studies and developed it into globally accessible educational content. He also emphasized that YU's distinctive model of international development cooperation goes beyond one-time aid by educating local leaders, offering degree programs, and even transferring curriculum design expertise to partner universities—providing a sustainable development model for developing countries. These achievements in educational diplomacy have been made possible by the extensive global network that YU has built through Saemaul Studies over many years. Since its establishment in 2011, the Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul (PSPS) has provided full scholarships and living stipends to approximately 1,000 students from 81 countries, including officials from eight international organizations such as the World Bank and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). PSPS has established itself as a leading institution for educating master's-level professionals in international development. Countries represented in YU's Saemaul Studies master's program: 8 international organizations and 81 countries. These accomplishments have led to concrete requests for cooperation from African governments. In April this year, senior government officials from Rwanda and Sierra Leone visited YU in succession. Rwanda discussed expanding existing Saemaul cooperation into additional academic fields, including engineering and agriculture, while developing a long-term talent development model. Meanwhile, the Government of Sierra Leone dispatched a high-level delegation—including the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, the Ambassador to Korea, and faculty members from public universities—to sign an agreement establishing Departments of Saemaul Economic Development at two public universities in the country. The initiative represents an unprecedented effort to integrate Korea's development experience and Saemaul Studies into Sierra Leone's higher education system as a foundation for national innovation. At the time, Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Sierra Leone's Minister of Technical and Higher Education, visited Korea solely to discuss cooperation with YU on cultivating Saemaul Studies professionals before returning home immediately after completing her schedule. YU's global leadership in innovation has also been recognized internationally. In the 2026 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) announced in May, YU ranked third in the world for Student Mobility and Openness and fourth globally in Visionary Leadership. In particular, the University's fourth-place global ranking in Leadership reflects international recognition of President CHOI's vision and commitment to cultivating global talent and expanding international networks through Saemaul Studies. Beyond innovation within the campus, YU's contribution to advancing public values—including global poverty reduction and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—also aligns with the reasons the African ambassadors invited President CHOI to speak. Over the years, YU has built strong partnerships not only with African countries such as Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone, but also with developing nations across Latin America (Nicaragua), Central Asia (Uzbekistan), and Southeast Asia (Cambodia and Vietnam). Through a step-by-step expansion of civil servant and community leader training programs, academic degree programs, and inter-university partnerships, Saemaul Studies—Korea's unique educational platform born from the nation's transformation from an aid recipient to an aid donor—has emerged as one of the world's most compelling models for international development assistance. Dessie Dalkie Dukamo, Ambassador of Ethiopia to Korea, who attended the lecture, said, "I sincerely thank President CHOI Oe-chool for honoring the AGA monthly meeting with such an inspiring and insightful lecture. I am deeply impressed by his unwavering commitment to globalizing the spirit of the Saemaul Undong, and I hope that many developing countries across Africa will achieve remarkable community development through YU's leadership and the sharing of the Saemaul Undong." President CHOI said, "It is a great honor to share Korea's development experience and YU's achievements in Saemaul Studies with diplomats representing African nations at the invitation of the African Group of Ambassadors. Saemaul Studies is a practical form of educational diplomacy that helps developing countries build their own engines of growth and nurture future generations. We will continue expanding our global network and responsibly fulfill YU's vision of cultivating leaders who contribute to the shared prosperity of humanity." He added, "I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to my fellow professors who have devoted themselves to advancing the academic study and research of the Saemaul Undong despite many challenges, as well as to distinguished experts in Korea and abroad—including former UN Secretary-General BAN Ki-moon and former World Bank President KIM Yong Kim—for their invaluable guidance. This lecture will remain one of the most unforgettable moments in YU's journey of educational diplomacy."
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- 2026. 07. 22
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Ranks 13th in Korea in U.S. News Best Global Universities Rankings, Rising on Stronger Research Reputation and International Collaboration Climbs Across Major Global Rankings, Including WURI, QS, and THE, Strengthening Global Standing Educational and Research Innovation, Internationalization, and Global Social Contribution Drive Distinctive Competitiveness [July 13, 2026] 2026–2027 U.S. News Best Global Universities Rankings (Top 20 Korean Universities) <2026-2027 Best Global Universities Rankings> (U.S. News & World Report) Ranking University 1 Seoul National University 2 Yonsei Univ. 3 Sungkyunkwan Univ. 4 KAIST 5 Korea Univ. 6 Sejong Univ. 7 POSTECH 8 Kyunghee Univ. 9 Hanyang Univ. 10 UNIST 11 Univ. of Ulsan 12 Pusan National Univ. 13 YU 14 Kyungpook National Univ. 15 Dongguk Univ. Ewha Womans Univ. 17 Chonbuk National Univ. 18 Univ. of Seoul 19 Chung-Ang Univ. 20 Chonnam National Univ. YU (President CHOI Oe-chool) has once again demonstrated its global competitiveness by ranking 13th in Korea and 751st worldwide in the 2026–2027 Best Global Universities Rankings recently released by U.S. News & World Report. The U.S. News Best Global Universities Rankings, published by the leading American news magazine U.S. News & World Report, evaluate universities worldwide based on Clarivate data, focusing primarily on research excellence, including global and regional research reputation, publications, citations, and international collaboration. The rankings are widely recognized as one of the leading indicators of academic influence and international research performance. YU's improved performance this year was driven by significant gains in several key indicators, including global research reputation, books, and international collaboration (relative to country). Specifically, the University climbed 244 places in global research reputation, 303 places in books, and 156 places in international collaboration (relative to country). In addition, improvements across most research-related indicators—including total publications, total citations, and the number of papers ranking among the world's top 10% by citations—contributed to its higher overall ranking. This achievement is not an isolated success. YU has demonstrated a clear upward trajectory across several major global university rankings announced this year.In the 2026 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), announced in May, YU ranked 3rd globally in the Student Mobility and Openness category and 4th globally in Visionary Leadership. Among 13,211 innovation cases submitted by 1,927 universities from 96 countries, YU was recognized as one of the world's leading institutions for its student support system and innovative leadership. YU also ranked 791–800th worldwide in the 2027 QS World University Rankings, becoming the No. 1 comprehensive private university outside the Seoul metropolitan area. The University climbed more than 100 places globally from the previous year, earning particularly strong evaluations for Citations per Faculty, International Faculty Ratio, and International Student Ratio, reflecting its sustained growth. In addition, YU made its debut in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, released by the UK-based global university ranking organization, entering the 101–200 global band overall.It ranked joint 10th among Korean universities and placed joint 47th worldwide for SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, while also ranking among the global Top 50 in three Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) categories. These results demonstrate international recognition of YU's integrated approach to education, research, social engagement, and global collaboration in advancing sustainable development. President CHOI Oe-chool said, "The results of the latest U.S. News Best Global Universities Rankings demonstrate that YU's research competitiveness and international collaboration capabilities are being recognized at the global level. The University's continued success in prestigious global rankings, including WURI, QS, and the THE Impact Rankings, is especially meaningful because it reflects the distinctive competitiveness we have built by integrating educational and research innovation, internationalization, and social engagement." He added, "As we enter the AI era, YU will continue to innovate across education, research, and university administration under our vision of nurturing talented individuals with both character and professional expertise who contribute to the prosperity of humanity, further strengthening our role and responsibility as a globally competitive university." Meanwhile, YU is actively enhancing AI capabilities across campus by providing students and faculty with broad access to trusted AI tools, fostering the next generation of talent capable of leading the era of unlimited competition driven by artificial intelligence.
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Selected for Museum Link, Korea’s First K-Museum Regional Traveling Exhibition and Tour Support Program On View at the YU Museum Through October 2, Then Traveling to Busan from October 19 A Rare Opportunity to Encounter Traces of Animals from 1,500 Years Ago Revisiting Ancient People's Wishes and Ritual Culture Through Animals [July 6, 2026] <Special exhibition Animals Around Us at the YU Museum> The YU Museum (President CHOI Oe-chool) is presenting the special exhibition Animals Around Us after being selected for Museum Link, the inaugural K-Museum Regional Traveling Exhibition and Tour Support Program. The exhibition, which opened to the public with an opening ceremony at 3 p.m. on July 3, is accompanied by two educational programs for local children and youth: Animal Stories of the Apdok Kingdom Through Bones and Animals in Artifacts Reimagined Through AI. Museum Link is a national initiative designed to expand access to cultural and artistic experiences beyond the Seoul metropolitan area and other major cities while fostering a sustainable regional cultural ecosystem by connecting exhibitions with tourism and local resources. Organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and administered by the Korean Museum Association, the program supports traveling exhibitions and exhibition-linked regional tourism programs. Drawing on the YU Museum's extensive collection of artifacts and its long-standing research on archaeological animal remains, the special exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the historical significance of animals in human society. Through artifacts excavated from 1,500-year-old tombs and other archaeological discoveries, the exhibition offers a multifaceted exploration of the roles animals played in the lives and deaths of ancient people. The exhibition is organized into two main sections. The first section, Animals as Symbols of Earnest Wishes, explores the symbolic meanings of animals depicted on ancient artifacts. Visitors will discover how dragons and phoenixes symbolized sacred authority, birds represented the connection between heaven and earth, turtles embodied longevity, and fish expressed hopes for fertility and abundance, illustrating how ordinary everyday objects became powerful symbols of people's deepest aspirations. The second section, Animals as the Finest Feast and Ritual Offerings, forms the centerpiece of the exhibition, presenting for the first time an in-depth study of the large collection of archaeological animal remains excavated during the 1980s from the Imdang-dong and Joyeong-dong ancient tomb complexes in Gyeongsan. The exhibition highlights the significant scholarly value of decades of zooarchaeological research and preservation based on animal remains meticulously recovered through water-screening techniques—a method that separates and extracts biological materials such as plant seeds and other organic remains from excavated sediments. Particularly noteworthy are the remains of a wide variety of marine fish and shellfish—including shark (dombaegi), pufferfish, and mackerel—which would have been difficult to obtain in inland Gyeongsan. These findings provide compelling evidence of the diverse diet and remarkable authority enjoyed by the region's ruling elite 1,500 years ago. The exhibition also introduces the ritual culture of ancient people through the remains of dogs, cattle, horses, and pigs that were sacrificed without butchering during the construction of tombs, reflecting beliefs that such offerings would ensure the well-being of the deceased while maintaining a connection between the living and the dead. Animals Around Us will be on display at the YU Museum in Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk-do, from July 3 through October 2, 2026, before traveling to the National Pukyong University Museum in Nam-gu, Busan, where it will be exhibited from October 19 through November 27, 2026. Meanwhile, the exhibition's educational program Animal Stories of the Apdok Kingdom Through Bones uses the exhibited animal remains to help participants understand the lives and environments of ancient people, recognize the changing relationship between humans and animals, and develop a greater appreciation for local cultural heritage. Another program, Animals in Artifacts Reimagined Through AI, is offered in collaboration with YU's Digital Humanities and Social Sciences (D-HUSS) Project Group, in which students from related disciplines use AI technologies to create videos and digital content for the exhibition, enhancing both their career competencies and their understanding of regional cultural heritage. LEE Eun-jung, Director of the YU Museum, said, "This special exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to discover the worldview and aspirations of ancient people through the many animals preserved in the museum's collections, each telling its own story across different historical periods. We hope it will provide meaningful time to reflect on the people who once lived on this land and to reconsider the significance of the animals that continue to share our lives today." Meanwhile, Museum Link supports regional traveling exhibitions at 88 museums and art museums selected through a nationwide competition. Participating institutions present exhibitions in at least two different regions, while 50 of them also operate programs that connect their exhibitions with local cultural and tourism resources. The initiative is expected to transform museum visits into stay-based regional cultural experiences, contributing to the mutual growth of local culture and the tourism industry.
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Propose Value-Added Upcycling of Rice Husks and Rice Rinse Water Through Eco-Friendly Seedling Trays Achievement Reflects Hands-On, Industry-Oriented Education Supported by the Advanced Bioindustry Human Resources Boot Camp Project [July 8, 2026] <YU students recognized at the 2026 Korean Society of Food Science and Technology Undergraduate Idea Competition> (From left: CHOI Seo-hyun, BAN Ye-won, and JO Min-ji) The it's me(米) Team from YU's Department of Food Science and Technology and the Advanced Bioindustry Human Resources Boot Camp Project Group (faculty advisor: Professor KIM Myung-hee, Department of Food Science and Technology) received the Encouragement Award at the Undergraduate Idea Competition, held during the 2026 International Conference and Annual Meeting of the Korean Society of Food Science and Technology (KoSFoST) at the Daejeon Convention Center on July 1. The Korean Society of Food Science and Technology (KoSFoST) hosts Korea's largest international academic conference in the field each year, attracting approximately 2,800 participants. Sponsored by the Council of Directors of Food Research Institutes, the Undergraduate Idea Competition aims to discover innovative ideas that contribute to creating future value in the food industry while fostering the next generation of food science professionals. Participants analyze challenges facing the food industry and propose creative, practical solutions. The it's me(米) Team—comprising CHOI Seo-hyun (senior, Department of Food Science and Technology) and BAN Ye-won and JO Min-ji (both sophomores in the Department of Food Science and Technology)—proposed an environmentally friendly solution that transforms rice husks and rice rinse water, by-products of food production and processing, into biodegradable seedling trays. Their project presented a sustainable approach to creating high-value applications for agricultural by-products while promoting a circular, eco-friendly economy. Professor KIM Ji-hoe, Director of the Advanced Bioindustry Human Resources Boot Camp Project Group and a faculty member in the Department of Biotechnology, said, "We are delighted that our field-based, hands-on training program has produced such an outstanding result. We will continue to provide strong support for cultivating talented professionals in sustainable advanced biomaterials."
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Ranks 26th in Korea (791–800 globally), Climbing More Than 100 Places from the Previous Year Global Standing Soars with No. 4 Worldwide in WURI Visionary Leadership Ranking Educational and Research Innovation, Globalization Strategy Earn Meaningful Recognition on the Global Stage [June 24, 2026] YU (President CHOI Oe-chool) has been ranked 26th in Korea (791–800 globally) in the QS World University Rankings 2027, recently released by global higher education analyst QS (Quacquarelli Symonds). Notably, YU ranked No. 1 among comprehensive private universities outside the Seoul metropolitan area. Compared with last year's ranking (901–950 globally), YU climbed more than 100 places, further strengthening its position as a globally competitive university. This year's rankings evaluated 1,504 universities worldwide, with 43 Korean universities included. YU received particularly strong evaluations in the categories of Citations per Faculty, International Faculty Ratio, and International Student Ratio. YU's strong performance in the International Faculty Ratio and International Student Ratio reflects its globalization strategy, which is founded on the value of global social contribution. The University has gained international recognition by establishing Saemaul Studies, an academic discipline based on the Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement) and Korea's development experience, and offering undergraduate and graduate programs in the field. In particular, the Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul—established in 2011—has grown into a leading global graduate school attracting talented students from developing countries around the world. In just 15 years, approximately 1,000 young professionals from 81 countries, including officials from the World Bank, the United Nations World Food Programme (UN WFP), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and four other international organizations, have completed the master's program in Saemaul Studies and are now working as international development professionals across the globe. Through Saemaul Studies, YU has also built extensive global networks with governments of developing countries and major international organizations, contributing significantly to the University's sustainability and global competitiveness. <International Students Enrolled at YU Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul (PSPS)> The QS World University Rankings assess universities using nine indicators: Academic Reputation (30%), Citations per Faculty (20%), Employer Reputation (15%), Faculty/Student Ratio (10%), International Faculty Ratio (5%), International Student Ratio (5%), International Research Network (IRN) (5%), Employment Outcomes (5%), and Sustainability (5%). Because the rankings incorporate both subjective measures, such as academic and employer reputation, and objective indicators, including research citations, faculty and international student ratios, and graduate employment outcomes, they are widely regarded as one of the world's most credible university ranking systems. YU has recently continued to earn strong recognition in major global university rankings. In the WURI (World University Rankings for Innovation) 2026, announced in May, the University ranked No. 3 in the world in the Student Mobility and Openness category and No. 4 globally in Visionary Leadership. The 2026 WURI evaluated 13,211 innovative programs submitted by 1,927 universities across 96 countries, placing YU among the world's top-performing institutions in both categories. President CHOI Oe-chool said, "YU's continued strong performance in major global university rankings, including the QS World University Rankings, is an encouraging indication that our educational and research innovation, along with our globalization strategy, is receiving meaningful recognition by international standards. It is particularly significant that YU's vision and achievements are being acknowledged on the global stage." He added, "Guided by our vision of nurturing talented individuals who contribute to the prosperity of humanity, YU continues to pursue innovation across all aspects of university operations, including education and research. We will further strengthen our global competitiveness and continue to grow into a university that fulfills its responsibilities and role in the international community."
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From Vision to Action: Advancing the Vision of a Creative and Innovative University Contributing to the Prosperity of Humanity Faculty, Staff, Students, the Educational Foundation, and Alumni Unite Behind YU’s Future Development Innovation Proven by Results, Sustained Through Action—QS Ranking Surge Reflects Continued Growth Strengthening Institutional Innovation Through AI- and AX-Driven Transformation, IR Strategy, and Medical Center Development Plan [June 29, 2026] YU (President CHOI Oe-chool) held the Future Action Days for Y-INNOVATION 2030, reaffirming its commitment to implementing the University's long-term development strategy. The event was held to share the expanded edition of Y-INNOVATION 2030, an updated and enhanced version of YU's long-term development plan based on the University's vision—"A Creative and Innovative University Contributing to the Prosperity of Humanity"—which was proclaimed during YU's 75th anniversary celebration in 2022. It also served to unite the University community around a shared commitment to putting the vision into action. The gathering reviewed the achievements of YU's innovation initiatives since the 2022 vision declaration while reaffirming the University's determination to translate its vision and development strategies into concrete actions by all members of the YU community and to accelerate innovation for the future. Held on June 25 at the Lee Si-won Global Convention Hall of the Cheonma Art Center, the event was attended by HAN Jae-sook, Chairperson of the Yeungnam School Corporation; YU President CHOI Oe-chool; KIM Yong-dae, President of the YU Medical Center; LEE Dong-hyung, Chair of the Faculty Council; PARK Young-bong, Chair of the Staff Labor Union; SHIM Chang-seop, President of the Student Council; and other key members of the University community, who reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the implementation of the University's development plan. Senior representatives of the YU General Alumni Association, including Senior Vice President KOH Dong-hyeon, Vice President DO Soo-hoe, and Vice President JOO Dae-jung, also attended to express their support for the University's continued development and commitment to its future vision. The program featured: ▲the unveiling of a video introducing the University's vision and development plan, ▲the presentation of the expanded Y-INNOVATION 2030 plan, ▲the announcement of the YU Medical Center Development Plan, ▲presentations on the University's AI vision and strategy and Institutional Research (IR) strategy, including a live demonstration, and ▲a joint pledge ceremony committing participants to implementing the development plan. Throughout the event, YU emphasized its commitment to maintaining consistency in institutional policies while strengthening execution through AI- and AX (AI Transformation)-driven innovation and an Institutional Research (IR) system for continuous performance management. The message shared throughout the event was clear: YU's development strategy must move beyond declaration to execution grounded in innovation, and mutual trust, shared understanding, and collaboration among University members constitute the foundation of institutional competitiveness. Through the event, YU reaffirmed its development plan with members of the University community while declaring its determination to further strengthen collaboration among the Educational Foundation, the University, the Medical Center, and the General Alumni Association. Building on this commitment, YU plans to accelerate implementation of its development initiatives while fostering a culture in which all members actively participate in realizing the University's vision. The event also carried special significance as a continuation of the 2022 Vision Declaration Ceremony. At that time, YU presented its new vision along with development strategies in five key areas—educational innovation, industry-academia research, social contribution, globalization, and sustainable management—outlining its roadmap for future growth. Four years later, the University has moved beyond simply sharing its vision, demonstrating through tangible achievements that its innovation strategy is producing measurable results and entering a new phase centered on execution. YU has indeed maintained strong momentum in recent global university rankings and external funding achievements. In the recently released QS World University Rankings 2027, YU ranked No. 1 among comprehensive private universities outside the Seoul metropolitan area (26th in Korea and 791–800 globally), climbing more than 100 places worldwide compared with the previous year. The results indicate that the University's educational and research innovation and globalization strategy have earned meaningful recognition by international standards. In addition, in the WURI (World University Rankings for Innovation) 2026, announced in May, YU ranked No. 3 globally in Student Mobility and Openness and No. 4 in Visionary Leadership. Notably, the University's Visionary Leadership ranking has steadily improved over the past three years, reaching the world's top tier and demonstrating international recognition of YU's innovation leadership in consistently sharing and implementing its institutional vision. YU has also achieved remarkable success in securing external financial support. According to the 2025 University Finance Information System statistics, the University secured a total of KRW 107.4 billion in external funding—including central government grants, local government support, and funding from other organizations—ranking No. 1 among private general universities nationwide. This achievement represents more than financial success; it reflects the high level of confidence that governments and external organizations place in YU's innovation capacity and long-term sustainability. These accomplishments are not the result of chance but rather the outcome of the University's consistent implementation of its innovation initiatives and development strategies since the 2022 vision declaration. YU has established a virtuous cycle in which its institutional vision and philosophy inspire the understanding and participation of faculty, staff, and students, leading to educational innovation, stronger research competitiveness, internationalization, improved student outcomes, enhanced public trust, and greater recognition in global evaluations. Delivering congratulatory remarks on behalf of JUNG Tae-il, President of the YU General Alumni Association, Senior Vice President KOH Dong-hyeon said, "Today's event provides a meaningful opportunity for members of the YU community to share the University's vision and development plan while reaffirming their commitment to putting them into practice. As we enter the era of AI-driven transformation, YU's pursuit of future innovation based on a sustainable development strategy represents an important step toward becoming a globally recognized prestigious university." He continued, "I recently learned with great pride that YU achieved outstanding results in major global university rankings and ranked first nationwide in external government funding disclosures. These accomplishments are the valuable result of the dedication of every member of the University community. Representing our 300,000 alumni, I assure you that we will continue to provide unwavering support and cooperation as a trusted partner to ensure the successful realization of YU's vision and development plan." <From left: YU President CHOI Oe-chool, HAN Jae-sook, Chairperson of the Yeungnam School Corporation, and KOH Dong-hyeon, Senior Vice President of the YU General Alumni Association> Chairperson HAN Jae-sook of the Yeungnam School Corporation said, "The vision and development plan shared by YU are not merely declarations but a clear direction and mission for the University's future. Through AI- and IR-based implementation strategies, we must ensure that these plans move beyond statements of intent and become a virtuous cycle of concrete action and measurable results." She added, "The Educational Foundation will continue to serve as a strong foundation by providing full support so that these efforts, built upon the understanding and participation of the University community, lead to meaningful achievements and enable YU to make bold strides toward the future." In his commitment address, President CHOI Oe-chool said, "YU has recently strengthened its global standing through remarkable advances in prestigious international university rankings, including the QS World University Rankings and the WURI. These achievements have been made possible by the dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and all members of the University community, who have worked together to realize YU's vision." He continued, "Rather than becoming complacent with our accomplishments, YU will seize the era of AI-driven transformation as an opportunity for a new leap forward, further strengthening our education, research, and global competitiveness. The rapid advancement of AI is fundamentally reshaping the higher education environment and redefining how universities survive and thrive. AI-driven industrial transformation will also lead to a paradigm shift in higher education, moving from an academic pedigree-based hierarchy toward one centered on competence and capability." President CHOI concluded, "The future of YU depends on the collective commitment of not only our faculty, staff, and students, but also the Educational Foundation and the General Alumni Association. Together, we will combine the strength of the entire YU community to realize our vision of becoming a Creative and Innovative University Contributing to the Prosperity of Humanity and achieve even greater progress. Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Chairperson HAN Jae-sook of the Yeungnam School Corporation and all those who have provided their guidance and support, enabling YU to respond proactively to the challenges facing higher education."
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AI-powered in silico platform identifies natural compound with promising applications in the medical and biotechnology industries Natural compound amentoflavone shown to increase muscle mass and strength in animal studies Published in the prestigious international journal Phytomedicine and featured in HBR (Hanbitsa), drawing attention from both academia and industry YU Cell Culture Research Institute strengthens global research competitiveness while expanding research and technology support for Gyeongbuk’s Uiseong bioindustry [June 25, 2026] <YU Department of Biotechnology and Cell Culture Research Institute research team (from left: Research Professor Syed Sayeed Ahmad, Professor CHOI In-ho, and Research Professor LIM Jeong-ho)> A research team at Yeungnam University (YU), led by President CHOI Oe-chool, has attracted attention from both academia and industry by identifying a natural compound using artificial intelligence (AI) and demonstrating its potential as a treatment for sarcopenia. The findings were published in the internationally renowned journal Phytomedicine (Impact Factor: 11.3), specializing in natural-product and complementary medicine, and were also featured in Hanbitsa (People Who Brightened Korea), highlighting both the academic and industrial significance of the study. The study was co-first-authored by Research Professor LIM Jeong-ho of the YU Cell Culture Research Institute and Research Professor Syed Sayeed Ahmad of the Department of Biotechnology, with Professor CHOI In-ho of the Department of Biotechnology serving as the corresponding author. The research team conducted the study with the goal of establishing a research and development platform that utilizes in silico technologies—computer simulation-based virtual experimentation—and AI to discover highly commercializable natural compounds from Korea's natural resources and apply them to the medical and biotechnology industries. The researchers explained, "We selected myostatin, a key negative regulator of muscle growth, as our therapeutic target. Through AI-assisted in silico analysis, we identified amentoflavone, a natural compound found in Ginkgo biloba and Selaginella tamariscina, both of which are widely known in Korea." They added, "Using muscle stem cell experiments, we elucidated the compound's muscle-forming effects and its underlying mechanism of action. In animal experiments using a mouse model of muscle atrophy, we confirmed that the compound significantly increased muscle mass, enhanced muscle strength, and improved physical performance." Professor CHOI In-ho, Director of the YU Cell Culture Research Institute, said, "As populations continue to age rapidly, sarcopenia and other muscle-loss disorders have become major social and medical challenges both in Korea and around the world. However, effective treatment options remain extremely limited." He added, "The natural compound identified through this study has strong potential not only for the development of natural-product-based therapeutics but also as an ingredient for functional health foods." He continued, "By integrating AI with conventional in silico technologies, we have established a new research platform that is expected to introduce a new paradigm for natural-product research and commercialization while driving significant advances in the field." After earning his doctoral degree from YU in 2022, Research Professor LIM Jeong-ho joined the YU Cell Culture Research Institute and has been conducting research at its Uiseong Branch since 2024. He currently serves as a key researcher in several regional bioindustry initiatives, including the K-U City Project, part of the Anchor Project (formerly the RISE Project) supported by the Ministry of Education and Gyeongsangbuk-do, as well as the In Silico Commercialization Infrastructure Development Project supported by Uiseong County, contributing to research and educational programs aimed at fostering the regional bioindustry. Meanwhile, Research Professor Ahmad, an expert in in silico technologies and AI, has been serving as an international research faculty member in YU's Department of Biotechnology since 2019 and has collaborated closely with Professor CHOI's research group. He has published more than 60 papers in international journals and continues to conduct active research in AI- and in silico-based natural-product discovery. Beyond its academic significance, the study also demonstrates that the YU Cell Culture Research Institute's Uiseong Branch has established the research capacity and infrastructure needed to continuously produce internationally competitive research outcomes.By integrating in silico and AI technologies into its existing cell culture-based research platform, the Institute has presented new possibilities for building an innovative bio-research and industrial ecosystem. Meanwhile, in 2023, YU established and began operating a regional branch of its research institute at the Gyeongbuk Cell Culture Industry Support Center in the Uiseong Bio Valley General Industrial Complex, one of the few university research institutes in Korea to establish a regional branch of this kind. The YU Cell Culture Research Institute plans to further expand research and technology support for regional biotechnology companies while strengthening collaboration to foster the bioindustry.
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Gold medal on the international stage follows 21.49-second personal best at the National Athletics Championships, demonstrating growing global competitiveness YU track and field team showcases strength across multiple events with outstanding performances at the National University Championships and the Miryang Arirang National Athletics Meet [July 3, 2026] <KIM Tae-uk, sophomore in the School of Kinesiology, YU> Yeungnam University (YU) (President CHOI Oe-chool) track and field athlete KIM Tae-uk (sophomore, School of Kinesiology) captured the gold medal in the men's 200-meter final at the 2026 Hong Kong Open Athletics Championships (World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze). Competing in the men's 200-meter final in Hong Kong on June 14, KIM overcame adverse rainy conditions with composed race management and outstanding late-race acceleration, crossing the finish line first in 21.57 seconds. KIM has recently shown marked improvement in his curve-running technique and his ability to maintain speed in the latter stages of races. As his ability to negotiate the bend—one of the most critical elements of the 200-meter event—has improved, so too has his overall competitiveness. Athletics officials noted that KIM has developed into one of Korea's leading collegiate sprinters and that his gold medal at this international competition demonstrates his ability to compete successfully on the global stage. They also expressed confidence that he will continue to deliver strong performances in upcoming national team selection trials and international competitions. Although rainy weather made fast times difficult for all competitors, KIM remained composed throughout the race, defeating athletes from across Asia to stand atop the podium. His smooth running through the curve and explosive acceleration on the home straight ultimately proved decisive, once again demonstrating his competitiveness on the international stage. The victory is particularly meaningful because it builds on the momentum he has established in recent domestic competitions. At the 55th National Athletics Championships in May, KIM finished third in the men's collegiate 200 meters with a time of 21.49 seconds, narrowly missing a higher finish in a fiercely contested race decided by just one-hundredth of a second. He also claimed the men's 100-meter title at the 81st National University Athletics Championships, confirming his outstanding competitiveness across the sprint events. Alongside KIM's success, the YU track and field team has continued to produce impressive results at major national competitions, reaffirming its status as one of Korea's premier collegiate athletics programs. At the 81st National University Athletics Championships in May, KIM won the men's 100 meters, PARK Sung-jin claimed the men's 800-meter title, and LEE Chae-jin finished runner-up in the women's 400 meters, with several YU athletes earning podium finishes. The team's success continued at the Miryang Arirang 2026 National Athletics Meet in June, where PARK and LEE won the men's and women's 800 meters, respectively, while NO Gyu-rim captured the women's 400-meter hurdles title. LEE also finished second in the women's 400 meters, and CHOI Ji-hyun placed second in the women's 200 meters and third in the women's 100 meters, highlighting the team's depth and competitiveness across multiple events. KIM said, "I am very pleased to have achieved such a good result at an international competition. I will continue training consistently to improve my times and strive to develop into an athlete capable of representing Korean athletics." Meanwhile, the YU track and field team has continued to raise its national profile during the 2026 season through outstanding performances at both national and international competitions. In particular, KIM Tae-uk's gold medal at the Hong Kong Open is regarded as a representative achievement that reflects the team's systematic training program and its strong athlete development capabilities. Major Results of the YU Track and Field Team in 2026 Competition Results 2026 Hong Kong Open Athletics Championships KIM Tae-uk – 1st, Men's 200m (21.57) 55th National Athletics Championships KIM Tae-uk – 2nd, Men's Collegiate 100m (10.59) KIM Tae-uk – 3rd, Men's Collegiate 200m (21.49) 81st National University Athletics Championships KIM Tae-uk – 1st, Men's Collegiate 100m PARK Sung-jin – 1st, Men's Collegiate 800m LEE Chae-jin – 2nd, Women's Collegiate 400m Miryang Arirang 2026 National Athletics Meet LEE Chae-jin – 1st, Women's Collegiate 800m PARK Sung-jin – 1st, Men's Collegiate 800m NO Gyu-rim – 1st, Women's Collegiate 400m Hurdles LEE Chae-jin – 2nd, Women's Collegiate 400m CHOI Ji-hyun – 2nd, Women's Collegiate 200m CHOI Ji-hyun – 3rd, Women's Collegiate 100m 2nd Korea University Athletics Federation President's Cup National Athletics Championships LEE Chae-jin – 1st, Women's Collegiate 800m LEE Chae-jin, NO Gyu-rim, PARK Sung-jin, LEE Tae-hwa – 1st, 1,600m Mixed Relay KIM Tae-uk – 2nd, Men's Collegiate 100m KIM Tae-uk – 2nd, Men's Collegiate 200m LEE Chae-jin – 2nd, Women's Collegiate 400m PARK Sung-jin – 2nd, Men's Collegiate 800m LEE Chae-jin – 3rd, Women's Collegiate 100m
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A Total of 89 Alumni Elected, Including 20 Metropolitan and Local Government Heads and 1 Superintendent of Education YU Produces 17 Local Government Heads in Daegu and Gyeongbuk, Demonstrating Overwhelming Influence and Competitiveness Following the Election of 13 National Assembly Members in the 22nd General Election, YU Alumni Once Again Showcase Their Political Strength [June 22, 2026] At 6 p.m. on June 18, the YU General Alumni Association (President JUNG Tae-il) and YU (President CHOI Oe-chool) jointly hosted a congratulatory reception at Daegu Grand Hotel to celebrate alumni elected in the 9th Nationwide Simultaneous Local Elections. The event honored the 89 YU alumni who earned the trust and support of voters in this year’s elections. YU alumni, who are making significant contributions across diverse sectors of Korean society, secured victories in a wide range of positions, including metropolitan and local government heads, superintendent of education, metropolitan council members, and local council members, further establishing themselves as key leaders shaping the nation’s future. By category, the elected alumni include 3 metropolitan government heads, 1 superintendent of education, 17 local government heads (8 in Daegu and 9 in Gyeongbuk), 23 metropolitan council members (9 in Daegu and 14 in Gyeongbuk), and 45 local council members (18 in Daegu, 20 in Gyeongbuk, 1 in Ulsan, 1 in Gyeonggi, 1 in Gyeongnam, and 4 proportional representatives). The results demonstrate that YU graduates have continued to play pivotal roles in regional and national development across a broad range of fields. Among the winners, alumnus LEE Cheol-woo (Graduate School of Business Administration Advanced Management Program, hereinafter called 'AMP') secured a third term as Governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do, laying a stable foundation for regional development. Alumnus CHU Kyung-ho (AMP) was elected Mayor of Daegu Metropolitan City, while alumna CHOO Mi-ae (AMP) won the race for Governor of Gyeonggi-do, the nation’s largest provincial government. Alumna KANG Eun-hee (AMP) was re-elected for a third term as Superintendent of Education for Daegu, reaffirming her leadership in educational administration. In particular, YU alumni achieved remarkable success in the elections for local government heads in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region. In Daegu, 8 of the 9 elected district and county heads are YU graduates, once again demonstrating the University's strong influence and competitiveness throughout the region. In Gyeongbuk, 9 YU alumni were elected as local government heads, further solidifying the University's role as a driving force in local governance. The elected local government heads include RYU Gyu-ha, Mayor of Jung-gu (Pharmacy, Class of '75); WOO Seong-jin, Mayor of Dong-gu (Ph.D., Graduate School); KWON Oh-sang, Mayor of Seo-gu (Political Science and Diplomacy, Class of '85); CHO Jae-gu, Mayor of Nam-gu (MBA); LEE Geun-su, Mayor of Buk-gu (Public Administration, Class of '84); KIM Dae-kwon, Mayor of Suseong-gu (AMP); KIM Yong-pan, Mayor of Dalseo-gu (Economics, Class of '78); and KIM Jin-yeol, County Governor of Gunwi-gun (Animal Science, Class of '78) in Daegu. In Gyeongbuk, the elected alumni include NAM Han-kwon, County Governor of Ulleung-gun (Advanced Executive Program); BAE Nak-ho, Mayor of Gimcheon (Master’s Program, Graduate School of Public Administration); KWON Ki-chang, Mayor of Andong (Ph.D., Graduate School); KIM Byeong-sam, Mayor of Yeongcheon (Economics, Class of '86); KIM Hak-hong, Mayor of Mungyeong (Advanced Policy Leadership Program, Graduate School of Public Administration); CHO Hyun-il, Mayor of Gyeongsan (MBA); PARK Kwon-hyun, County Governor of Cheongdo-gun (Master’s Program, Graduate School of Public Administration); LEE Nam-cheol, County Governor of Goryeong-gun (Master’s Program, Graduate School of Public Administration); and JEON Hwa-sik, County Governor of Seongju-gun (Community Development, Class of '77). Approximately 300 guests attended the celebration held on June 18, including JUNG Tae-il, President of the YU General Alumni Association; HAN Jae-sook, Chairperson of the Yeungnam School Corporation; CHOI Oe-chool, President of YU; National Assembly members KIM Seok-ki and LEE In-sun; as well as numerous YU alumni and prominent figures from political and business circles. Congratulatory plaques and commemorative gifts were presented to the elected alumni. In his congratulatory remarks, President JUNG Tae-il said, “I sincerely congratulate all alumni who have earned the trust of voters and are now entrusted with leading the future of their communities and our nation. This election once again demonstrates the strength and pride of YU alumni.” He continued, “Your victories are not only personal achievements but also a source of pride for YU and its 300,000 alumni worldwide. I hope you will fulfill your public responsibilities with integrity and inclusive leadership worthy of the trust placed in you by local residents. The Alumni Association will continue to serve as a strong network supporting your policies and visions so they can take root in local communities.” During the event, President JUNG also introduced a series of AI-generated questions and answers highlighting YU’s recent achievements, which received enthusiastic responses from attendees. He praised the University’s accomplishments, including ranking first among private universities nationwide in government and local government financial support projects in 2025, achieving a 100 percent freshman enrollment rate for two consecutive years, and President CHOI Oe-chool being ranked fourth globally in the Visionary Leadership category of the 2026 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI). Chairperson HAN Jae-sook remarked, “The achievements of the 89 elected alumni are meaningful accomplishments that elevate not only your personal reputations but also the prestige and standing of YU and its alumni community. I deeply respect your dedication and capabilities, which have earned the trust of the people.” She added, “I hope your new journeys will contribute to regional development and improve the quality of life for citizens. The unwavering support and affection of our alumni have been the driving force behind YU’s growth, and the University will continue striving to become a globally renowned institution worthy of that support.” In his congratulatory speech, President CHOI Oe-chool said, “This election has once again demonstrated YU’s enduring strength in producing leaders who have played pivotal roles in Korea’s transformation from one of the world’s poorest nations into an advanced country.” I hope our alumni, chosen through the trust of the people, will continue to grow into leaders who guide Korea toward an even more dignified and advanced future.” He continued, “As the era of AI and rapid technological change unfolds, the role of universities has become more important than ever. Building on our accumulated human and institutional strengths, YU will continue to nurture global talent that contributes to regional communities, the nation, and ultimately the prosperity of humankind.” President CHOI concluded, “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to President JUNG Tae-il for his outstanding leadership of the Alumni Association under the motto, ‘A Vibrant Alumni Association, A Prestigious Alma Mater.’ I ask for the continued support and encouragement of our alumni. YU will remain committed to nurturing talent that fulfills its responsibilities to the times.” Previously, YU produced 13 members of the National Assembly in the 22nd National Assembly elections held in 2024. In the 2022 local elections as well, the University produced 1 metropolitan government head, 16 local government heads, and 1 superintendent of education, continuing to demonstrate the remarkable influence and strength of its alumni network in Korean politics.
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Trust in YU Medical Center Grew Through Caring for a Foster Child After Pledging Body Donation, She Keeps Her Promise Five Years Later with a KRW 10 Million Gift to YU “Giving Has Always Been My Greatest Joy … I Hope YU Will Nurture People Who Truly Help Others” [June 19, 2026] <From fourth left, YU President CHOI Oe-chool and Rev. WON Soon-hee> “When I first came to YU Medical Center with a child in my care who was going through a difficult time and met Professor SEO Wan-seok, I found tremendous comfort and developed deep trust in the University. I hope my small donation can help nurture people who will make a real difference in the lives of others.” The trust she developed at a university hospital while supporting a struggling child eventually grew into an extraordinary act of lifelong giving. Rev. WON Soon-hee (81), who has devoted her life to ministry, missionary work, and service, has pledged to donate her body to YU (President CHOI Oe-chool) College of Medicine and has also contributed a development fund to support the education of future medical professionals, leaving a profound impression on the University community. Recently, Rev. Won visited YU to donate a development fund to the College of Medicine. About five years earlier, she had pledged to donate her body to the College to contribute to medical education and research. Her latest gift reflects her conviction to continue serving society until the end of her life and represents a meaningful example of philanthropy that combines body donation with financial support for future generations. The story dates back about nine years. Rev. WON’s connection with YU began through a foster child she was raising. At the time, the 14-year-old student visited Professor SEO Wan-seok of the Department of Psychiatry at YU Medical Center with Rev. WON. Through ongoing treatment and counseling, the student gradually regained emotional stability, while Rev. WON found comfort and developed deep trust in the hospital and its medical staff through their sincere care and dedication. According to Rev. WON, the student looked forward to visiting the hospital to see Professor SEO even more than going to school. That experience became much more than a memory of treatment. Witnessing firsthand the compassion and care extended not only to patients but also to their families, Rev. WON came to appreciate even more deeply the importance of educating medical professionals who save lives and serve society. This conviction eventually led her to decide that she wanted to contribute to medical education even after her passing, culminating in her noble pledge to donate her body to YU College of Medicine. Her generosity did not stop there. After deciding to donate his body, Rev. WON also began setting aside savings to establish a scholarship fund, hoping to contribute in some small way to the further development of the College of Medicine. Although she was not financially affluent, she faithfully saved through an installment savings account. Once she had accumulated the amount she had promised herself, she personally visited YU College of Medicine on April 9 and presented the development fund. Rev. WON worked as a civil servant for 20 years at the Bureau of Survey and Statistics under the former Economic Planning Board, the predecessor of today's Statistics Korea. In 1985, she entered Seoul Jangsin University and graduated in 1989 before beginning her ministry. Since then, she has devoted herself to missionary work, volunteer service, and charitable giving, continually supporting those in need both in Korea and abroad within her means. Her body donation pledge and development fund contribution to YU College of Medicine are natural extensions of this lifelong commitment to service. “I have never lived a wealthy life,” Rev. WON said. “But throughout my life, I have learned that giving brings greater happiness than keeping things for myself. Through my relationship with YU, I came to hope that I could contribute, even in a small way, to educating people who genuinely help others. Little by little, I gathered that hope, and it brought me back to YU. Though my contribution may be modest, I want to continue giving in whatever ways I can.” Professor SEO Wan-seok reflected on his long-standing relationship with Rev. WON with deep emotion. “Many years ago, when I first met Rev. WON as the guardian of a patient, she told me that one day she hoped to establish a scholarship fund and make a donation,” he recalled. “As time passed, those words faded into a distant memory. But the moment I received a call from the College of Medicine administration office and heard the name ‘WON Soon-hee,’ everything came flooding back.” He added, “I was deeply moved to learn that she had returned to YU to fulfill the promise she made so many years ago. Her life of giving was a profound lesson to me then, and it continues to inspire my deepest respect today.” YU President CHOI Oe-chool said, “I was deeply touched when I learned about Rev. WON Soon-hee’s relationship with YU and how that bond led to both a body donation pledge and a development fund contribution. Her lifelong dedication to giving and serving others resonates deeply throughout our society.” He continued, “Her heartfelt trust in YU and the promise she has faithfully kept will become a foundation for educating future medical professionals who will save lives and serve humanity. YU’s educational philosophy of nurturing talent that contributes to the prosperity of humankind aligns closely with Rev. WON’s values. We will honor her noble intentions by educating our students with sincerity so that they may grow into professionals dedicated to life, humanity, and their communities.” Meanwhile, YU held an official ceremony on the morning of June 18 to recognize Rev. WON’s donation. The event was attended by President CHOI Oe-chool, Vice President for External Affairs SEO Bo-geon, KIM Yong-dae, President of YU Medical Center, WON Kyu-jang, Dean of the College of Medicine, Professor SEO Wan-seok, and other University officials.
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