IID Graduation Piece Recognized by Prix Ars Electronica
IID 10th Graduation Exhibition
2024 Science Fair
FEATURED: NEW FACULTY INTERVIEWS
Prof. Jaewan Kim (HASS SDC)
Prof. Song Jin Young (HASS IID)
Prof. Patrick Han (ISE BE)
ALUMNI NEWS
2024 UIC Alumni Career Fair
An Upheld Battle: Your Not-So-Typical College Love Story Foreign Service Candidate Selection Exam
On May 31st, UIC hosted a memorable luncheon at the President’s Residence, attended by around 250 guests. The gathering included the President of Yonsei University Dong-sup Yoon, Provost Young-Jong Sohn, Senior Vice President for Administration and Development Yongho Kim, UIC faculty members, top-performing students from the class of 2023, and numerous alumni who have made notable contributions to UIC’s legacy
The event began with a warm welcoming speech from the President, who expressed his gratitude for the continuous support of the UIC community and shared his vision for future growth. The highlight of the ceremony was the President of the UIC Alumni Association giving a generous donation to UIC Dean Doowon Lee. It was a testament to the strong bond between past and present members of UIC and was followed by a heartfelt message of appreciation from the President of the current student association, Jaechan Park, acknowledging the important role of alumni in supporting the UIC’s progress.
There was a special musical performance by the UIC band, Nodaji, where current members (YB) and alumni (OB) joined forces in a unique collaboration in melody, adding a nostalgic and celebratory tone to the occasion. Under the warm spring sun, guests were uplifted and enjoyed a barbeque meal. They also were given the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about the future of UIC, goals for expansion, and ongoing initiatives to enhance the student experience as a whole.
This luncheon event was more than just a special occasion, it served as a platform for exchanging ideas and fostering deeper connections among the UIC community. It also provided a unique opportunity for alumni, faculty, and students to come together in support of UIC’s enduring legacy and ambitious goals for the future. Unity, progress, and commemoration all marked the profound success of UIC’s presidential luncheon.
UIC Gears Up for its 20th Anniversary
As UIC approaches its 20th anniversary next year, the university is gearing up for a celebration highlighting two decades of academic excellence and global impact. Founded with the vision of nurturing global leaders, UIC has become a hallmark of innovation and interdisciplinary education, providing a vibrant space for students from diverse backgrounds.
In preparation for this momentous occasion, the UIC community has formed two key committees to ensure the event’s success: the Publication Committee and the International Symposium Committee. These committees will highlight the dynamic stories of the UIC community over the last twenty years, reflecting on milestones, challenges, and the vision that has shaped the institution’s growth.
As the university prepares for this milestone, the upcoming events will provide an opportunity to look toward its future. With a global network of alumni and a reputation for academic rigor, UIC is set to embark on its next chapter with the same forward-thinking spirit that has defined its first two decades. Reflecting the core philosophy that has guided the college since its inception, UIC remains committed to shaping liberal arts for international minds. This guiding principle will continue to inspire future generations of students and leaders, reinforcing UIC’s role as a global hub for liberal arts education.
In celebration of this milestone, UIC has launched a fundraising campaign with an ambitious goal to secure the resources needed for the journey ahead. With KRW 68,200,000 already raised toward our KRW 200,000,000 goal, every contribution, big or small, helps fortify our mission of empowering future global leaders. Together, we’ll continue to write UIC’s story that inspires, connects, and transforms. For those who wish to learn more or contribute, please reach out to UIC PR at 02-2123-3923 or via email at uicpr@yonsei.ac.kr.
UIC August Graduation
On August 30, 2024, we celebrated a momentous occasion—the graduation ceremony for the Class of August 2024. This day marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication of 229 students (114 UD, 88 HASS, and 27 ISED students). The graduates donned their caps and gowns, ready to begin the next chapter of their lives.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement as graduates gathered with their friends and families. Many students expressed a mix of joy and nostalgia: all the late-night study sessions, challenging projects, and unforgettable experiences have shaped them into who they are
today. Their faces reflected both the happiness of their accomplishments and the bittersweet emotions of leaving behind their UIC years.
It was a heartfelt celebration marking both an end and a new beginning. At the same time, it was a celebration of community, perseverance, and the bright futures lying ahead for our graduates.
Let’s hear some stories and advice from our proud graduates Jourdin Westbrooks (PSIR, ‘20), Seoyeun Oh (CDM & IID, ‘21), and Betul Sahin (SDC, ‘20.5)!
Congratulations!
How was your life at UIC?
Jourdin: Oh, life at UIC? It was very interesting, very fun. I really enjoyed getting to meet people from all over the world and I think I learned a lot outside of just the classroom but from friends from other places as well.
Any wise tips for the new coming students?
Jourdin: LEARN KOREAN! Ha ha. Also, be very active in finding all the announcements, and make sure you reach out to know when all the events are happening.
Betul: Definitely learn Korean and step out of your comfort zone! Since it can be overwhelming for other students to adapt to different cultures, take your time while networking with people because they are not alone. A lot of people feel homesick. I also felt homesick, but if you have a community and network to make friends, it will help you to push through. You are in it together and can always support
each other! So I highly recommend going out there, out of your comfort zone, and making friends.
Any plans for the near future?
Jourdin: I’m not entirely sure. Hopefully, I will be accepted to a program to teach abroad for some time but as of now, I have been studying for law school as well. Those are the plans.
Any advice for the “Hoobae” (juniors)?
Seoyeun: When you enter UIC, you can naturally choose your major within the department and you are allowed to focus on what you’re most passionate about. By selecting the major that interests you the most, I believe you’ll have an enjoyable and fulfilling four years. Also, one of the advantages of the international college is that you not only get to meet Korean friends but also many international students. I hope you’ll make the most of the opportunity to meet people from various countries and gain a wide range of experiences.
How was your life at UIC?
Betul: I’m majoring in SDC and I have completely finished my four years now, which was tough but also the greatest decision I’ve ever made in my life. I gained a lot of knowledge that I can apply in the future and got the opportunity to network with so many people from diverse backgrounds.
As the graduates prepared to step into the professional world, the sense of pride was palpable. They are not just leaving the university; they are taking with them the skills, knowledge, and values instilled during their studies at UIC. The UIC community is excited to see these talented alumni leave their mark in various fields and contribute to the society to which they belong.
A huge round of applause for the Class of August 2024! We look forward to seeing all the amazing things you will accomplish in the years to come.
2024 Fall 2024 UIC Freshman Orientation: Welcoming New Students to UIC
On August 31st, 2024, the Fall 2024 UIC Freshman Orientation was held in Songdo International Campus. The orientation’s goal was to help new students’ adjust to life in Korea and prepare them for their first semester. More than 120 freshmen from all divisions participated in the program, with 16 peer mentors to assist them, along with professors at UIC’s multiple departments giving speeches and meaningful words of advice.
New students were split into smaller groups with the assistance of peer mentors - upperclassmen who were tasked with guiding freshmen through their first official day as UIC students. During the first session in each unit, students learned about college culture in Korea and Yonsei University. It was followed up by an ice-breaking session with the new students and peer mentors to get to know each other better and build that initial bond as freshmen in university.
After lunch, students were split into their divisions where they were greeted by peer mentors from the same division. There, they learned about the UIC Common Curriculum as well as getting a brief introduction to various majors in each division. Students were also able to get individual advice on their timetables from peer mentors in regards of course load, course planning, etc.
Upon returning to their original groups, essential information crucial to international students was communicated to them, such as applying for an ARC and bank account in Korea. Then, peer mentors gave them a presentation about how they personally adjusted to UIC and pieces of advice for new students. Numerous personal anecdotes were shared, such as tips on declaring one’s major, joining clubs, applying for an exchange semester, and so on. Meanwhile, UIC welcome packs were delivered to students - including tumblers and documents highlighting course requirements for the Class of 24.5.
As the program drew to a close, peer mentors conducted a tour of the Songdo campus as an opportunity for new students to get to know school facilities better. Not only did new students get to know the names and locations of the main buildings, but they were also informed of places that would help their campus life, such as the location of the school gym, chapel, health center, and school bus station.
Upon asking for an interview at the end of the orientation, a UD student answered that “it …[was]… assuring to get to know the Korean college culture before the semester starts. I was able to get advice from my sunbaes on various courses and graduation requirements, and it was really helpful.” It is hoped that all new UIC freshmen will be able to enjoy their first semester at Yonsei University with the assistance of this Fall 2024 UIC Freshman Orientation.
2024 UIC Major Fair
The 2024 UIC Major Fair took place at the Yonsei International Campus, Veritas Hall B on the 6th-7th of November. Upperclassmen and members of the Student Council from among 16 different majors participated in the fair as mentors, giving helpful advice towards undecided students and offering direct information from students about each major. This event provided a fantastic chance to explore the variety of majors offered by UIC, and gain valuable insight through the first hand experiences shared by senior students.
The 6th UIC Festival: VIVID
The 6th UIC Festival, <VIVID>, was held on the 7th and 8th of October at the International Campus this year. True to its name, <VIVID> embodied the aspiration for UIC students’ dreams to come to life in vivid, vibrant detail. The main concept of this year’s festival stemmed from the phrase “R=VD,” an acronym for “R(Realization)= V(Vivid) D(Dream),” signifying the idea that “if you dream vividly, it will come true.” Under the clear autumn skies, students participated in various booths organized by different departments, savored delicious snacks from food trucks, and enjoyed dynamic stage performances.
LearnUs Global Semester Program 2024
The Yonsei UIC LearnUs Global Semester Program participants celebrate the successful completion of the program! The program, which was held from September to December 2024, has provided the UIC students with a unique opportunity to explore reconciliation towards a new generation of Japan-South Korea relations.
The LearnUs Global Semester Program is an innovative “hybrid” educational exchange program hosted by Underwood International College (UIC) and International Christian University (ICU) in Tokyo, Japan. The program combines online and in-person instruction with students
traveling to Japan and Korea and taking classes at the ICU and UIC campuses in Tokyo and Songdo, respectively. In addition to in-class instruction, students enjoyed a variety of rich learning experiences through on-site field trips to Nagasaki and Kyoto in Japan and Jeju and Gyeongju in Korea. The program seeks to create a new paradigm for higher education by fostering international cooperation and understanding through innovative teaching and learning practices.
“It was definitely not always easy, because the program is indeed very demanding. But in retrospect, it was rewarding in every aspect, especially the friendships we’ve built throughout the semester. To be able to experience this program together; sharing all the good and even the not-so-good moments, is just amazing, and I am grateful that I got the chance to meet people outside my major and university!”
The program’s brochure will soon be available both on campus and on the UIC website—stay tuned for more details!
Former Ambassador Sung Kim Shares Insights on Korea-Japan Relations at UIC Special Lecture
Underwood International College (UIC) hosted a thoughtprovoking special lecture led by former U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim, focusing on “Why Reconciliation Between Korea and Japan Is Important to the United States.” Held at Daewoo Annex Hall, the event brought together students and faculty for an engaging discussion on the importance of cooperation between Korea and Japan for regional stability and U.S. interests.
Ambassador Sung Kim, whose extensive diplomatic career spans key postings in South Korea, the Philippines, and Indonesia, shared his insights on the complexities of Korea-Japan relations. Building on his extensive experience, he emphasized the critical role of reconciliation in strengthening alliances and tackling shared challenges across the Asia-Pacific region.
Students praised the lecture for its depth and relevance, with one participant remarking, “Thanks to Ambassador Sung Kim’s unique career and background, we had a valuable opportunity to understand Korea-Japan relations from a more realistic and distinctive perspective.”
This lecture was part of the LearnUs Global Semester, a collaborative academic program between UIC and International Christian University (ICU) in Japan, coordinated by Professor Howard Kahm. The program aims to deepen students’ understanding of global issues through cross-cultural learning and expert perspectives. Ambassador Kim’s lecture left a lasting impression, inspiring students to think critically about the role of diplomacy in resolving regional and global challenges.
Renowned Filmmaker Mike Figgis Delivers Special Lecture at UIC
On November 28, 2024, Underwood International College (UIC) welcomed the renowned filmmaker Mike Figgis for a highly anticipated masterclass titled “Experience of Shooting a Documentary About Francis Ford Coppola: Filmmaking Process and New Technology.” Held in Room 105 of the Daewoo Annex Hall, the event attracted students, faculty, and film enthusiasts, all eager to gain insights from one of cinema’s most innovative minds.
Mike Figgis, celebrated for his groundbreaking films such as Leaving Las Vegas, Timecode, and Miss Julie, shared his expertise on various aspects of filmmaking, including his experience documenting the work of legendary director Francis Ford Coppola. This special lecture gave attendees a glimpse into filmmaking’s intricate processes and the role of new technology in shaping modern storytelling.
Figgis, who combines disciplines such as music, theatre, photography, and film, brought decades of industry experience to the discussion. He highlighted how creative approaches and technical innovation intertwine to create compelling cinematic works, leaving the audience inspired by his insights and practical knowledge. He shared how creativity and technology work hand in hand in filmmaking, providing valuable insights that captivated the audience.
The masterclass marked a rare opportunity for the UIC community to engage with a filmmaker whose contributions to cinema have spanned decades and genres. This lecture is one of many masterclasses to come, offering UIC students the chance to learn from accomplished leaders in various fields.
IID Graduation Exhibition Piece Recognized by Prix Ars Electronica
Soonho Kwon (CLC/IID ‘17)’s graduation exhibition piece, “AI Fortune-Teller,” has received an Honorary Mention in the Interactive Art+ category at the Prix Ars Electronica 2024, widely regarded as the Academy Awards of media art. Co-created with Dr. Dong Whi Yoo and Dr. Younah Kang, the work was recognized during a press conference on June 17 and awarded in Linz, Austria, on September 5. Prix Ars Electronica, the world’s oldest media art competition, spotlights pioneering work at the intersection of art, science, and society, with past winners including Toy Story and Jurassic Park. This year, 2,950 submissions from 95 countries vied for awards, with 15 chosen as winners in the Interactive Art+ category.
AI Fortune-Teller is a video piece that explores similarities between predictive AI and traditional Korean shamans (mudang). The artists toyed with the idea that AI and shamans predict the future in incomprehensible ways yet still sway people’s decisions. In the video, participants used an AI career counselling service, unaware that the AI’s advice was rooted in a mudang’s fortune-telling. Even after learning the origins, participants’ satisfaction and career plans were largely unaffected, highlighting how people accept guidance from both AI and shamanic predictions while exercising their agency. View the
Dr. Yoo explained, “Advancements in AI have led to expectations of faster and more powerful systems, but less attention has been given to how we will accept and utilize AI, which inspired this project. I hope this work provokes reflection on how we interpret and respond to AI’s suggestions.”
Kwon added, “This year’s Prix Ars Electronica theme of moving beyond fear of technological advancement toward ‘hope’ resonates with our message about the strength of human free will. I’m honored that my first media art project has received such recognition, and I look forward to continuing my research into fostering a healthy relationship between technology and humanity.”
Dr. Kang, the project’s advisor, emphasized, “The interdisciplinary atmosphere at UIC, which fosters exploration across literature, technology, and design, played a key role in this work’s creation. I look forward to future projects where students critically examine diverse fields and produce work they can be proud of.”
“I’m honored that my first media art project has received such recognition, and I look forward to continuing my research into fostering a healthy relationship between technology and humanity.”
Soonho Kwon
Soonho Kwon majored in Information Interaction Design and Comparative Literature and Culture at Underwood International College, Yonsei University, and is currently a 1st year Ph.D. Student at Georgia Institute of Technology in Human-Cenetered Computing.
Dr. Dong Whi Yoo studied business at Seoul National University, earned a master’s degree in media art from Yonsei University, and completed a Ph.D. in Human-Centered Computing at Georgia Tech. He is currently a professor at Kent State University.
Dr. Younah Kang studied industrial design at KAIST, earned a master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, and a Ph.D. in Human-Centered Computing from Georgia Tech. She has worked as a user experience researcher at Google’s headquarters and is currently a vice dean of Underwood International College and chair of Information and Interaction design at Yonsei University.
Input and Output: Information and Interaction Design’s 9th Graduation Exhibition
The 10th annual graduation exhibition, Input and Output, organized by Information and Interaction Design (IID), was held from November 14 to 23, 2024, at Muak Rotary Club Hall on Sinchon Campus. Since its founding in 2012, the IID major has consistently worked to improve the interaction between people and technology through user-centered design, fostering innovation in UX, communication, and visual design.
This year’s theme, Input and Output, carried a dual meaning. Visually, it played on the resemblance of the number “10” to the letters “i” and “o,” celebrating the 10th anniversary of the exhibition series. Conceptually, it symbolized the creative journey of students, where the knowledge and experiences they absorbed during their
academic years (input) were transformed into unique and innovative projects (output). This theme highlighted the process of design as both an intellectual and experiential endeavor, resulting in works that seamlessly connect people and technology.
This year’s exhibition featured 20 outstanding projects from 20 students. Notable works included a handcrafted jacket integrating AR to highlight sustainable fashion, an art piece paying tribute to domestic violence victims, a game designed to increase awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder, a service that reimagined plastic bottle labels with AR, a digital exhibition that brought Korean folklore to life, and an experimental project using augmented reality to modernize traditional therapeutic
practices. Other projects explored themes such as walkability in urban environments, modern perceptions of masculinity, student diet management, and the environmental impact of unsustainable fashion through the lens of abused animals’ stories.
The opening ceremony, held on November 14, brought together students, faculty, families, and friends to commemorate this significant milestone. As the 10th anniversary of the exhibition, Input and Output not only celebrated a decade of achievement but also served as a showcase of the future potential of design and its role in shaping human interaction.
Jiyeong Yun (IID 20), the head of this year’s exhibition, expressed her gratitude and shared the significance of the milestone: “This 10th anniversary exhibition is a celebration of our journey and growth as a major. It represents not only the ideas and skills we’ve developed but also the meaningful connections between technology, people, and creativity. We hope this meaningful event leaves a lasting impression and becomes a treasured memory for both our students and all our visitors.”
Details of the exhibited works can be found on the IID Graduation Exhibition Instagram page: @yonsei_iid_ge.
2024 Science Fair
The UIC Science Fair 2024 was held on November 29th at the International Campus. Hosted annually by the Integrated Science and Engineering Division (ISED), the event showcased innovative research and academic excellence. This year’s fair held particular significance, as it marked the 10th anniversary of the ISED, making it a momentous occasion for the department and its community.
#SinchonCampus
Professor Jaewan Kim’s Climate Action Efforts: Power to the People
Can you briefly introduce yourself, and briefly cover your fields of research, educational background, and specific interests for our readers?
My name is Jaewan Kim, it’s an honor to be interviewed as a new faculty member! I studied at Yonsei for both my undergraduate and graduate degrees, doing Political Science for my undergrad and GSIS for my master’s. After graduating, I started to work for the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) as an ODA officer. Back then, I was involved in many different projects in the health, environment, and energy sectors. After KOICA, I moved to the UK to pursue another master’s at Imperial College London, undertaking a master’s in science because I was very much interested in environmental issues and climate change. Initially, studying science for my graduate degree was really challenging. As a student with a background in Political Science, you’d find it difficult to try to learn STEMrelated theories at a graduate level when you’re coming from the humanities! But I managed to finish my master’s, then moved to the US for family purposes. On and off, I worked as a consultant at an international organization, one of them being the Asian Development Bank (ADB). I came back to Korea to do my Ph. D. at the Graduate School of International Studies, Yonsei University; my supervising professor at the time was Jung Tae-yung. I had a chance to get involved in many different largescale projects with him, and I also had the opportunity to work at former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon’s office.
For my research interests, I conduct research at the individual, local, national, and international levels by analyzing transformative climate change responses based on bottom-up decision-making. Through my research, a bottom-up or demand-sided approach engages far more stakeholders when it comes to climate action, allowing for more effective responses to climate change. A lot of existing research has only focused on the supply side, but now, even the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emphasizes and realizes the importance of focusing on the demand when it comes to climate change response, which is why I focus on it. The behavior of the people at the bottom really matters when it comes to making these sorts of decisions.
What does it feel like to have studied in Yonsei and now to come back and teach at UIC? Are there any specific differences from your college experience then vs. now?
It’s an honor to be back and to be able to teach as a professor after having gone through the majority of my university studies here. Coming back here to teach feels both familiar and new - there are some clear differences, of course, when it comes to my days as a student versus what’s happening on campus now, but socially I can tell that Yonsei in general has gotten a lot more international, with the number of international students diversifying the student body. Academically, I can tell that the style of education has also shifted. Before, we used to be taught in a very rigid, textbook theory style. I feel like UIC provides education through a more interdisciplinary approach, being able to utilize more complex theories, knowledge, and techniques in teaching students. We didn’t have LearnUs back then, so I feel like the addition of this technology eases the burden on students greatly.
Also, as an undergraduate, I didn’t have the opportunity to write a thesis like what students are able to do now. I think that writing a thesis can actually be very beneficial as an undergraduate student, it broadens your perspective on what you’re studying and enhances your academic capabilities. So, I recommend students nowadays to take advantage of all that university can offer you, with all the new and incredible opportunities that UIC has to offer. If I could turn back time to my days studying political science, I would love to have been able to go under the supervision of a professor and write a thesis.
How did you end up choosing to carry out your research and teach at Yonsei’s UIC? What was your thought process that made you choose our university, aside from being an alum yourself?
To be honest, being an alum played a big role in my return to Yonsei, but there are other important factors as well. First of all, UIC has a very unique global environment that is conducive to my research. It’s unlike any other university department in South Korea. When it comes to Sustainable Development and Cooperation, where I teach, I get students from other majors as well, and well,
the major itself opens up channels and avenues that allow for multidisciplinary research. I believe that this major would not fully realize the potential of its students if it only tackles a single area of study. Secondly, I really admire the student pool at UIC. In general, they’re really smart and passionate, so I was looking forward to being able to shape our future leaders
Additionally, UIC offers a very friendly research environment. They focus a lot on sustainable development and related issues, and they push for the faculty to stay on top of their research as well as provide a lot of resources for teaching. I find that it’s quite encouraging. I’ve always felt the call to become an academic and educate the future generation because my passion for learning and teaching also stems from the ability to communicate with people with high academic curiosity – the type of people you could only meet and talk to in higher education. I have also mentioned earlier that I find that UIC students are really driven and their different backgrounds also provide me with a lot of unique perspectives. Our discussions can get very deep, and I find myself gaining a lot of insight every day while doing what I love, which is teaching and research.
Why did you choose to delve particularly into the field of sustainable development in IR, and what do you personally think is an issue that resonates most with you? How does it come up in your research and work?
Well, I believe that sustainable development is not always about conservation, it’s about finding a balance. I always emphasize this in my classes - you can’t hope to solve one problem without tackling all the others. You know, there must be a balance between economic growth, social inequality, and environmental conservation. So, in the context of international relations, this balance is indeed very critical because global governance and international cooperation rely on how well exactly countries can manage these three primary challenges within their own countries. Only through solving these issues internally will countries be able to better understand how to work with each other and effectively cooperate to yield great results in climate policy.
In my research, an issue that resonates most with me is how cities and communities specifically can adapt to climate change. I think that climate change affects everyone, yet we all know that the consequences on the community are not equally felt to the same degree. Climate change disproportionately affects the more vulnerable population, working-class citizens, and those living at or below the poverty line. Therefore, in my work, I stress the importance of developing urban resilience. The way cities can prepare for and adapt to shocks caused by climate change is central to my research.
Currently, we know that most climate policy is implemented in a very structured, top-down manner. This doesn’t allow for the stakeholders at the bottom of the hierarchy to adapt and adjust their climate action plans to their specific needs in the community and doesn’t allow for much social engagement at all. Because of this,
many people become skeptical of whether the programs being carried out by the government are being done with honesty and transparency, and many doubt the effectiveness of these climate action plans. Governments are also adversely affected, being limited in their capabilities, and also in the case of being given foreign aid must meet certain goals to fulfill the benefactor’s expectations. Additionally, because these developing countries systematically lack the proper infrastructure and capital, it’s hard for them to act independently as well. Being too reliant on subsidies and aid is never a good thing. This is the case in most developing countries. My focus is on how we can incorporate countries’ needs and demands from the receiving end of climate aid. But nowadays, many climate organizations now understand the importance of doing away with compulsory demands or “strings” being attached to climate aid. Years of this method of implementation have shown a lot of failures from having unilateral demands to the global South, so there have been slight changes made in their model of approach. At the same time, this model allows for better capacity building within these countries themselves – if we are able to better inspect the individual needs of the receiving country, they can take the resources given and use them to build up their own capital and infrastructure tailored to their unique demands. Finally, the concept of social capital is also relevant to my work because we can enhance the level of social capital within society through civic engagement and a bottom-up approach. Getting the society or the community directly involved is the first step toward a more effective response.
In your classes, what specific aspects of sustainable development do you find the most significant (among the 17 SDGs) and the most pressing for our generation of college students to know? Do you talk about it often in your lectures? If you could name one or two, what do you think will be an issue that our future generation will have to deal with?
That would be climate change, SDG number 13. It’s a recurring theme in my lecture because it’s arguably the most urgent challenge of our time. That’s because college students today are the ones that are going to be the direct victims of this issue in the future, so we should do our best now to study it and hopefully be able to better understand the issue and solve it. The biggest problem we face right now is not climate change itself, but rather the consequences of delayed action. I emphasize how climate action isn’t just about mitigation, but also adaptation. There are other things to do, such as building resilience, understanding the demands of the receiving country, and making sure that we’re able to accommodate those who are the most vulnerable.
I encourage debates and discussions in my lectures; however, I’ve never really seen a student who has directly opposed this approach. I think that even though SDC students may have other interests – whether it be responsible consumption, education, etc. – we can all agree in class that climate change is an overarching topic that involves every single one of these sectors. All these 17 goals are interrelated to each other, so I
“The biggest problem we face right now is not climate change itself, but rather the consequences of delayed action. I emphasize how climate action isn’t just about mitigation, but also adaptation.”
think it’s quite hard to emphasize a certain goal to be the “most important.” Maybe some people would argue that world hunger could be a more pressing issue than climate change, for example, but they fail to recognize that famine would only be made worse if we do not deal with the environmental impacts of climate change on farmland.
Another issue that might come up in discussion in my classes is corruption in LDCs, and how they affect climate action itself. Well, global pressure becomes prevalent when it comes to these things, and I teach my students the importance of international agreements when it comes to holding countries accountable. Even though something is not at the top of a country’s agenda in terms of priority, things such as climate action plans are still mandatory. All these things surrounding the actual implementation of climate policy itself are things that often come up in my lectures, and I’m certain that by teaching this to my students, they will be made more aware of these issues and feel a stronger need to contribute to society because of it.
I’ve looked at a couple of your recent publications –one regarding the capabilities of Korea in achieving their 2050 target of achieving net-zero emissions. Do you think that Korea is particularly advanced in this sector compared to other nations? Could they be the example that the rest of the world needs when it comes to achieving net-zero targets?
The question of whether Korea can serve as a global example is quite complex. It’s not a simple answer, but there are several factors to consider when it comes to assessing Korea’s position relative to other countries when it comes to hitting their targets. Firstly, we still have a problem with being overly dependent on fossil fuels. Especially coal and natural gases for electricity generation, in spite of our commitments to achieving net-zero emissions, the transition to renewable energy sources is simply something that Korea is not wellequipped enough to 100% switch to immediately in terms of funding and resources. Of course, we have the technology available, and even though Korea is one
of the leading countries when it comes to renewable energy technologies, realistically the switch is hard to apply nationwide.
Government policies and the effectiveness of their implementation also become an issue. Although Korea declared this very ambitious target and committed to reducing GHG emissions by 40% in 2030, the implementation of government policies that support this is still lacking. The constant switch between administrations makes it hard for them to focus on achieving this single goal because all political agendas have got to be different, right? So perhaps with the coming elections, the next term will yield better results, but only time will tell. Thirdly, companies like Samsung and Hyundai do have an advantage when it comes to technology development and access to this new technology. The industrial sector is still heavily skewed towards petrochemicals and fossil fuels since Korea’s economy is still heavily reliant on manufacturing. So, it’s hard for the industry to make the switch when the current system already benefits the economy so well.
Sure, I believe that Korea can become a regional leader in Asia since other countries are mostly focused on economic growth for now – but globally, Korea still needs to learn from a lot of other countries as a benchmark. European nations such as Sweden, Denmark, etc. can all be reference points that Korea can look up to in this regard. However, there’s also the issue of the divide between the capital and the provinces in Korea. Manufacturing services and factories are primarily located outside of Seoul, and the regional regulations are quite lax when it comes to the use of fossil fuels and GHG-emitting energy sources. These regulations can become quite lax due to the stance of regional leadership because of course, they want their province to be able to generate more profits. Provinces such as Incheon do have goals to achieve netzero by 2045, but again they have to find that balance between generating the most revenue and committing to the targets they’ve set for themselves. It largely depends on the leadership, and whether climate change becomes an object of genuine interest or just used as a part of a political agenda, basically.
Exploring Human-Computer Interaction: An Interview with IID’s New Faculty Member, Professor Song Jin Young
Can you just tell us a bit about yourself and your academic background?
I went to Yonsei University for both my undergraduate degree in 2004 and my master’s degree in 2009, majoring in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Afterward, I decided to study abroad. I eventually landed at the University of Michigan and did my Ph.D. there. It took a bit of time for me to graduate. I had my first kid and was on almost two years of leave of absence. I finished my Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in 2019. During my Ph.D., I switched my major from Electrical Engineering (EE) to Computer Science (CS), studying human-computer interaction. This led me to my current position in IID, which has a close relationship with humancomputer interaction.
What brought you back to Yonsei?
Yonsei has subconsciously always been my dream job. At that time, I wanted a turning point in my career. After I graduated with my Ph.D., I did a postdoctoral position at KAIST. Then, I got a full professor position at the Daegu
Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), where I was an assistant professor for about two years. When I saw the position open, I thought it looked like a fun opportunity in a field I was more interested in: the HASS department. I was thinking of moving more to a liberal arts university to pursue further research that better aligns with my interests. There were multiple choices and offers, and it was a tough decision, but I ultimately decided to come to UIC. I believe that UIC has so much potential and a better future than the past because people are realising how qualified all UIC graduates and current students are. It’s an advantage in this era because of the mixed, diverse culture and demographics. Professors have also put in a lot of effort to nurture the whole community and are paying attention to UIC to grow and shine. So, I thought it would be the right time to move in and take advantage of all this support. I also feel that I can contribute to this community. After all, I feel very related to UIC students, having lived in the States when I was young and then returning to Korea to a Foreign Language High School during high school; I also studied abroad afterward. So, I related more to this multicultural community.
You’re teaching Introduction to Social Computing and Human Interaction this fall. Can you give us a brief overview?
In Introduction to Social Computing, we cover general topics in the social computing fields, from the computational turn in media to all the social computing technologies, such as crowdsourcing and content moderation. I wanted to make this course more like a project-based learning class because I truly believe that the one-way delivery of lectures doesn’t help; students learn by producing and creating stuff. So, 1/3 of the class is lectures plus in-class activity, the other 1/3 is usually paper presentations from the students to help them with public speaking, and the rest is programming. In Human Interaction class, we cover various topics like challenges and solutions to human-AI interaction. It’s basically about human-AI interaction and studying better ways humans and computers collaborate. That course is also projectbased learning, so we have a similar format to the other classes.
How did your interest in AI and human-computer interaction develop?
I have always been interested in psychology, so while doing my undergraduate studies, I minored in psychology, which is a rare decision for an EE student. I studied medical imaging, which is similar to examining humans but in a different way, for my graduate program since I was unaware that the field of human-computer interaction existed. But I wasn’t really into that topic. Then, during my leave of absence, I did more research and found out about the field of human-computer interaction. So, I decided to switch my major from medical imaging to human-computer interaction after passing my thesis proposal; I had to go through another three or four years of Ph.D. Still, it was worth it because I could study psychology, computer science, and social science to develop a novel finding. Because I had a background in medical imaging, optimization, and mathematical algorithms, I was put into my Ph.D. supervisor’s project to deal with AI algorithms. Studying AI wasn’t my intention at first, but I joined because of my skill set. From then on, the AI trend skyrocketed so it was natural for me to keep working on AI.
Besides teaching, are you working on anything else?
I’m working on several topics with graduate students at DGIST. Many of my students are interested in education and learning, so one recent project compared learning gains of studying using books, the web, and ChatGPT to see what mode would be most efficient. We ran a very classic HCI style of control study. From there on, we wanted to use the findings and help build better GPT-implemented learning tools. Other students are interested in games. One is looking at using large language models to generate unique storylines for every game player so they feel like they are genuinely going on an adventure in the game.
How has it been coming back to Yonsei as a professor?
It’s great to come back to my hometown, and one thing I love about UIC, especially IID, is the amount of female academics. I enjoy seeing many alpha girls working hard toward their lives and careers. It’s a beautiful thing to observe, mainly because I went to undergrad when only 10% of women were in my department. It’s a huge factor that makes me feel welcome. The students are also proactive, and I like how they raise questions during the class and actively participate in all the in-class activities or Q&A sessions. I appreciate those attitudes.
For students interested in fields you study, like HCI, how would you recommend they start building their projects or portfolios?
The easiest way would be to start projects in class and pay attention to make high-quality outputs because that’s crucial for your grades and GPA. If the project’s outcome is high quality, you can put that in your portfolio. From there, you can participate in a research internship. My lab has internship openings during winter or summer break if you are interested in research or academic pathways. Applying to these internships and experiencing actual research projects would also be helpful.
What impact do you hope to make in HCI and AI through your research and teachings?
I prefer making continuous but steady contributions instead of large-impact contributions. For us to have lots of knowledge that we contribute toward the HCI field, I will keep publishing small, new, exciting findings from my research with my graduate students or even my undergraduate students on an annual basis. This way, when we look back, we can say that we built a whole kind of new subfield. In terms of teaching, I want to develop an excellent, well-made curriculum for IID students to help them build programming and implementation skills. These improved skills will enable them to design and create a working system.
Navigating the Future of Bio-Convergence: In Conversation with Professor Patrick Han
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your academic journey? Do you have any moments in your career that stand out as particularly defining or unexpected?
I began my academic journey as a Chemical Engineer, driven by a desire to design new materials with the potential for global impact. I applied to graduate school thinking I would be engineering nanomaterials for solar panels and carbon mitigation technologies. During my first semester at Yale, I enrolled in an immunoengineering course as an elective – which I thought was interesting since it was being taught by a professor affiliated with both Biomedical and Chemical Engineering. Truth be told, I did not particularly enjoy biology courses. As I was not interested in going to medical school, I never thought of dedicating my research in that direction. I think I was more curious about how Chemical Engineering could possibly be related to Immunology in any meaningful way. I was fascinated by immunology, its complexity, and the orchestration required of cells to perform the challenging task of keeping us healthy. It prompted philosophical questions such as, “how do you recognize yourself from others?” and inspired thoughts on how to interpret biological phenomena through the lens of
engineering concepts and modifying the immune system with new engineering technologies.
I was so inspired by the course that I decided to switch my research to designing novel materials to therapeutically engineer the immune system. I could never have imagined that taking that elective would drastically alter my career trajectory. Some considered it a risky move, and while I agreed, I was driven by a strong sense of curiosity. I did not know it then, but it was probably the best, and most pivotal, career decision I had made. Since then, I have developed the habit of following my heart at every juncture of my academic journey. With little background in genetics, I became interested in the applications of synthetic biology, which has its foundations in genetic engineering. So after my PhD, I decided to pursue my postdoctoral research at MIT and Harvard in labs that develop synthetic biology technologies for mammalian cells. My motivations were to learn the tools to genetically manipulate and control immune cells to develop “programmable” immunotherapeutic cells. This is where I first came up with the idea for our Designer Cells lab (coming soon!), where we will leverage SynBio tools to “design” cells fitted with bespoke genetic programs for immunotherapeutic applications.
Your research experience spans prestigious institutions like Yale, Harvard, and MIT. How did these environments influence your research interests and approaches?
What I learned from being a part of those institutions was that the excellence of those universities is derived from the talents of the student population. The sheer curiosity and dedication of the students and their willingness to pour their passions into their interests drive the rapid pace of innovation in those research labs. There I was convinced that I wanted to be where I could work with inspired and motivated students, which compelled me to join UIC Yonsei.
What inspired your shift to Bio-Convergence, and what made Yonsei University the right place for you to continue your research and teaching?
The transition to Bio-Convergence at Yonsei was, comparatively, a straightforward one. I grew up in Korea, and was educated here until I left for college; I know very well that Yonsei is a university with students and a research capacity that rivals any other top-class university in the world. Not discounting the fact that it was a big shift geographically, I was certain that UIC was where I would thrive both academically and culturally— as a mentor and researcher. I was particularly drawn to UIC because, having experienced life as a foreign student in both Korea and the US, I empathize with those who may feel homesick or overwhelmed while navigating an unfamiliar educational system.
I thought joining Bio-Convergence at Yonsei was one way I could draw from my own experiences to mentor talented students pursuing education in a competitive environment while contributing to the development of Korea’s next generation of scientists and global leaders.
You teach courses like Biomaterials and Synthetic Biology. How do you integrate your research into your teaching, and what do you hope students take away from your classes?
Both of the courses are directly related to my research interests, experiences, and aspirations. Next semester, I will be introducing Immunoengineering. I hope my students will feel the same spark of curiosity and interest that I experienced in graduate school when I first encountered the course. I also want my students to take advantage of the fact that their career and research paths are flexible and malleable, they – and only themselves –can decide how to shape their academic paths. In fact, one of the greatest advantages of being a researcher is that you can always change your research questions and area of interest!
As a mentor, what advice would you give to students interested in pursuing careers in Bio-Convergence or interdisciplinary research fields?
I want my students to be brave enough to take chances with materials they have not fully mastered yet. Be adventurous with what you study; now is the time to do so! What you are exposed to now will all be useful pieces in crafting and defining your own identity, whether as a scientist or in other professions.
With the rapid advancements in biotechnology, what emerging trends or technologies in Bio-Convergence excite you the most, and how do you see them shaping the future of healthcare?
Cell therapies. I’m excited that we are learning to get a grasp of how to program mammalian cells. Though it is still in its early stages, I anticipate we will learn to have a deeper command over cells – their identity, trafficking, and functions. I think the most impactful technologies will involve not only their manipulation but also their scalable production. I am most interested in developing technology to easily and reliably produce such precision-engineered patient-specific cells, which will be foundational for efforts to democratize and widely disseminate advanced healthcare to patients in lowresource settings.
You have been involved in developing innovative technologies, some of which are patented. Could you talk about the process of turning research into real-world applications and what advice you have for students interested in this?
There is a stereotype that scientists are awkward, introverted types who, despite struggling to communicate with those outside their field, let their brilliance shine through “good science.” This is entirely misguided. Communicating science—ideas, reasoning, and discoveries—is essential not only within scientific circles but also with the broader public. Securing project grants, which are crucial for running a successful lab, relies heavily on this skill. The same goes for entrepreneurship, where an innovator must persuade investors that a technology can become a profitable, “real-world” product. Much of this depends on clear, compelling presentations. At the Integrated Science and Engineering Division (ISED), we emphasize project presentations because, in nearly every real-world setting, the ability to persuade is invaluable.
Convincing people is hard, and changing minds is even more difficult. This is because every suggestion of a new idea, especially if it is a novel one, is a challenge to their current worldview. One way people can begin to accept alternative or new ideas is through stories. I think it is human nature; perhaps this is why allegories and myths are so effective in shaping culture. So, get in the habit of crafting stories and compelling narratives, drawn from personal and relatable experiences, about yourself, your passions, and your vision for the future. This will be crucial not only when you have to explain your esoteric project to your friends or family over dinner but also will be a foundational skill in winning over minds and, hopefully, will attract investments for your start-up.
2024 UIC Alumni Career Fair
UIC hosted the 2024 UIC Alumni Career Fair with the UIC Alumni Association. Around 60 UIC alumni from various industries shared their professional journeys, career insights, personal experiences, and advice for current UICians. Professor Michael Kim, Director of UIC Alumni Relations, gave a keynote speech on The Power of Networking.
Throughout the event, UIC students had amazing opportunities to engage in one-on-one panel discussions, getting firsthand knowledge about different career paths and strategies for achieving professional and academic success according to their industry interests. 12 different themes were provided and the Alumni mentors offered guidance on industry trends, networking, and the transition from academic life to the workforce.
Interview with the Alumni Mentor: Yun Seok Lee, ECON 11
The reason I decided to participate in today’s career fair is that, during my time in school, I also received a lot of help from opportunities like this, offered by my seniors. Their guidance allowed me to pursue what I am doing today. Back then, I received invaluable advice from my seniors on how to plan my career, what direction to take, and where to start preparing. Grateful for their support, I felt that I should extend the same help to my juniors, which is why I am here today. Please don’t hesitate to ask questions, and I hope you gain a lot from this event. Thank you.
Interview with the current UIC Student: Jihyun Shin, ECON 22
This was my second time participating in the Career Fair, and, as expected—or even beyond my expectations— it was an amazing experience. The alumni not only provided detailed insights into their current roles but also shared valuable networking opportunities, such as through LinkedIn connections. It was a meaningful event where I could explore topics I’m personally interested in as well as learn about new fields. Overall, it was a truly enriching experience.
Interview with the current president of UIC Alumni Association: Han Kuhm Lee, IS 09
As the current president of the Alumni Association, I want to sincerely thank you for once again helping to create such a wonderful event this year. As always, you’ve provided the Alumni Association with a meaningful opportunity to contribute. Many alumni I met today expressed their gratitude for the chance to return to campus, connect with current students, and engage in valuable conversations.
Personally, as a senior alumnus, I found it incredibly rewarding to interact with younger students and share experiences. It reaffirmed my hope for more opportunities like this to connect and give back. I also recognize the need for the Alumni Association to actively foster not only alumni networking but also stronger collaborations with current students.
Though I’ve done my best during my term as president, I know there are limits to what I could achieve. My term as president will likely end this year, but moving forward, I remain committed to giving back to the school and supporting future students in any way I can as a proud alumnus. Thank you once again for making this meaningful event possible.
This year’s Career Fair highlighted the strong bond of the UIC community, emphasising the shared commitment of alumni to support current UIC students in navigating their future careers and pursuing their dreams. It showed the alumni’s shared dedication to fostering UICians’ success and as students continue to explore their professional aspirations, opportunities like these play an important role in shaping their futures and sustaining the legacy of UIC.
An Upheld Battle: Your Not-So-Typical College Love Story
Love isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Balancing personal interests and family values while managing a relationship is often difficult. From many ups and downs and pursuing demanding individual career goals, Nayeon Kim (김나연) and Insung Lee (이인성), the UIC couple fought through this upheld battle.
Now studying side by side at Harvard University, their story proves that ambition and love can thrive together. Here’s to their unique journey!
Can you briefly introduce yourselves?
Hi! We are Nayeon Kim (김나연) and Insung Lee (이인성), both UIC alumni currently studying at Harvard University.
Nayeon: I am class of 2010, majored in Economics at UIC, and am now pursuing my MBA degree! After graduating in 2014, I joined Bain and stayed there for three years. I rejoined in 2019 as a consultant before coming to Boston this summer.
Insung: I also majored in Economics, class of 2011. After graduating in 2017, I joined the FSS (Financial Supervisory Service) as a financial regulator, examining hedge funds and investment banks in Korea. Right now, I’m pursuing my master’s in Public Administration—International Development (MPA)!
How did you first meet each other?
Insung: Nayeon and I met while participating in an Exigency Committee preparing for the upcoming freshman orientation.
Nayeon: I entered UIC in 2010, so I was a year above Insung. His batch was also the first to stay in Songdo, so I didn’t know many of the 2011 students. We eventually met because we were both members of the Economics Student Council. I was vice-representative of the UIC Economics major in 2012, and Insung later ran for the UIC presidential election.
There’s a saying: “Love at first sight” - do you agree?
Nayeon: I am pretty sure Insung didn’t notice me at first. Our personalities seemed to be totally different at first. He was very outgoing and knew everybody. Insung was always active in events but I didn’t drink much and wasn’t as outgoing. So he probably assumed that I was quiet and studious.
Insung: When I first met her, she seemed guileless yet lively and bright. However, I don’t think it matters whether it’s “love at first sight” or not. For us, it was more of a natural stream of emotions developing, but it all depends on each person’s circumstances and emotions.
Nayeon: Because I perceived him very much differently from how I am, Insung was a little bit scary. Once I got to know him better, he turned out to be more serious than expected. So, I wouldn’t say it was love at first sight. It took us some time until we officially started dating in April 2012.
Since you both attended UIC, did you ever take classes together after starting dating?
Nayeon: Never! There was never a chance to actually take classes together due to many situational difficulties. Our classes didn’t overlap much in the first place because I was a year ahead of Insung and we couldn’t align our schedules because I was already planning to go on exchange in July 2012. So we only had about three
months of actively studying together.
I joined the 3-Campus Exchange and was only briefly in Korea before heading to Hong Kong. Once I returned from my exchange, Insung had to leave for his military service almost immediately after. This difficult situation continued because I graduated the year Insung returned from his military service.
Insung: Unfortunately, we didn’t have many opportunities to study together because Nayeon graduated college while I was serving in the military. We decided to pursue a master’s degree in the US because we thought it would be a good investment. We also liked the idea of being a student again together since our time at UIC was unfortunately short. Luckily, we have a second chance to study together now at Harvard. We set our house in Boston by setting the two tables in a row; we sit next to each other to study together and encourage each other while studying.
Nayeon: We still talk about how this situation wasn’t ideal at all. Obviously, you would want to spend more time with your partner, but we believed each other. Knowing that the person you are dating is worthwhile to show commitment to makes it easier to hang on to this relationship. The situation was super stressful, and I wouldn’t recommend it, but we held on to each other.
If you could go back to any moment you shared at UIC, what would it be?
Insung: I would go back to April 2012, when we had just started dating. It was also when “벚꽃엔딩” was released and spread as a national hit. Whenever I hear this song, I still reminisce about the time we walked together on campus, listening to this song and seeing the cherry blossom leaves falling.
Nayeon: I agree! Definitely, the three months that we spent together because it was just too short. I remember the spring weather was so nice with all the flowers, cherry blossoms, and the positive feeling that nothing could go wrong. It was so enjoyable. We always say we wish we had more time back then.
Looking back at the situation now, what would you change if you had the chance to?
Nayeon: I would change the timing of my exchange and go a year earlier in 2011 when Insung was still in Songdo. Maybe even taking a year off to delay graduation would’ve been nice. I sometimes regret the fact that I graduated too fast, and we only spent a little time together on campus. Many people around me took a gap year for internships and traveling purposes. I graduated in 2014, way earlier than Insung, and worked at Bain for three years. I left to join LineFriends and WeMakePrice for two years. Insung had to put up with extreme hours for three years, so I tried to find a better balance between work and personal life. However, I decided to pursue my career goals and rejoined Bain in 2019.
Is there any funny date story you want to share that makes you laugh?
Nayeon: Oh, there’s one story that Professor Helen Lee talks about a lot! About a month into dating, Insung and I were walking across Sinchon right in front of New Millenium Hall, the former UIC building. We were walking together, holding hands, completely focused on each other. We didn’t notice Professor Helen Lee and just walked right past her. She called out, “What are you doing? Didn’t you notice me?” Startled, we quickly said hello and apologized. It’s funny that she still brings up this story even after all this time.
Do you have a tradition that is unique to your relationship?
Nayeon: It might not be unique but we occasionally have our wine nights. We drink some kind of alcohol and watch a movie or YouTube while talking about recent stuff in our relationship and personal lives. It lasts around three to four hours and is our way to catch up and have deeper conversations. We see each other often because we study and live together, but it helps us communicate better on a regular basis. It’s actually also very fun!
If your love story were a movie, what would be the title and why?
Nayeon: An Upheld Battle. The relationship wasn’t very easy, mainly because of our social age gap. In your twenties, you go through a lot, especially with changes in your personality. Also with the limited time we spent together, it was difficult to hold on to this relationship. But even with all that turmoil, we survived this “battle” and eventually it turned out really good
What are you most excited about your future together?
Insung: We moved to Boston in July, where we started studying for our master’s at Harvard University. This was one of our new adventures, and I’m excited about the next two years here.
Nayeon: Right now we are often thinking about where Harvard would take us. Harvard is quite demanding in terms of academia for students, but it is also wellknown for providing many great opportunities. We are both exploring our options and want to know how far we can go if we can leverage those opportunities. Although we are having a great time here, we are again having conversations about where to live after graduation, which also poses some difficulties in life choices because our professions require us to work in different regions in the US.
What advice would you give couples who are currently balancing dating and university?
Nayeon: There’s this general notion that all campus couples eventually break up, and yes, it does happen. However, there’s also always a chance that the person you are currently dating might end up being your husband or wife. If you cherish this relationship and like this person a lot, it can last! Don’t be too pessimistic just
because you see other couples breaking up. If you are happy and serious about it, it will work out. Dating and university are complimentary, not contradictory. You can study and be with your person at the same time; there’s no need to sacrifice one over the other. As university students, we are responsible for our choices and actions. Balancing dating, college, and other parts of your life is all about what you prioritize. Follow your heart but be mindful about the consequences at the same time.
Insung: I didn’t really think about the word “balancing” when I was in university. Life is short, and you only get to live once in your twenties. Explore and enjoy as much as you want.
What helped your relationship grow the most over time? Did studying together at UIC play a major role?
Insung: We went through numerous hardships, especially when we were young, such as Nayeon leaving Korea for an exchange student program and me serving in the military service. During that time, it was challenging for us to keep our relationship. We were too young to adjust to this sequence of dramatic changes in our lives. However, in retrospect, it helped us forge a strong bond with each other because we didn’t give up on each other even through the most challenging times of our lives.
Nayeon: It’s ironic because what kept our relationship going was the fact that it was not always great. The constant change and the situational things we had to overcome, made us curious about the future. We wanted to see how this relationship would go without those difficulties. I also believed that Insung is the right person and this vision of the future really helped me not to let go of this relationship. The difficulties made our relationship very dynamic, and I am very proud that I didn’t let go and continued to hold on to what we had.
Each individual is driven and wants to do something with their lives. You can’t hold each other back from pursuing these paths. The reality is that people have different life plans, and it’s important to respect their choices. Respecting each other’s ambitions allows the relationship to thrive without either partner compromising on what they truly want.
Foreign Service Candidate Selection Exam
Congratulations to our incredible students Hyung Won Suh (ECON’ 15) and Jin Jin Park (QRM’ 17) on successfully passing the rigorous Foreign Service Candidate Selection Exam! Your determination and hardwork have truly paid off.
The Foreign Service Candidate Selection Exam is one of the three national examinations in South Korea. Successful candidates are appointed as higher-officials, training to oversee diplomatic realtions between South Korea and other countries. This is a huge milestone for our students, and their efforts are inspiring us all.
We are eager to follow your diplomatic journey in representing South Korea, and wish you only the best for the future!
Faculty Updates
Prof. Byungwon Woo
Appointed as Program Co-Chair of the International Studies Association
Prof. Byungwon Woo, Professor of International Relations, has been appointed as a program co-chair for the International Studies Association (ISA). In this role, he will contribute to the organization’s mission of fostering interdisciplinary research and facilitating discussions on pressing global issues.
Prof.
Younah Kang
Receives Multiple Awards and Co-Authors Notable Publications
Prof. Younah Kang, Professor of Information and Interaction Design, has recently garnered significant recognition in her field. She has received an Honorary Mention in Interactive Art+ at the 2024 Prix Ars Electronica and an Honorable Mention at ACM CHI 2024 for her paper, which ranked in the top 5%.
In 2024, Professor Kang co-authored several notable publications that showcase her research expertise. One of her key articles, “Counseling chatbot design: The effect of anthropomorphic chatbot characteristics on user selfdisclosure and companionship,” was published in the International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction Additionally, her work titled “Starting a New Life after Crossing the Tumen River: How North Korean Defectors Use Digital Technology in Transition” appeared in the Proceedings of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
Professor Kang also co-authored “Exploring the Extent of Usability for Augmented Profile Interfaces in Enhancing Conversation Experiences,” published in Computers, and contributed to research on the potential of augmented reality with “Investigating the Possibility of Using an AR Mask to Support Online Psychological Counseling” in the Proceedings of the ACM on HumanComputer Interaction. Furthermore, she co-authored “A Multi-sensory Kiosk Interface to Familiarize Users with New Foods,” published in the Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies
Prof. Chad Denton
Receives a Visiting Fellowship
at IAST
Prof. Chad Denton, Professor of European History, has been selected as a Visiting Fellow for January and February 2025 at the Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse (IAST). Situated in southwestern France, IAST is renowned for its commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research that transcends traditional academic boundaries. During his time at IAST, Professor Denton will engage with diverse researchers to collaborate on projects that address complex questions relevant to science and society.
Prof. Rajkumar Patel
Publishes Several Articles in 2024
In 2024, Prof. Rajkumar Patel has successfully published several articles. His work titled Alginate, Hyaluronic Acid, and Chitosan-Based 3D Printing Hydrogel for Cartilage Tissue Regeneration highlights his expertise in biomaterials for medical applications. He has also published Biopolymer-Based Biomimetic Aerogel for Biomedical Applications. Professor Patel’s research extends into sustainable solutions, as seen in Membrane Based Recovery of Valuable Lithium Metals from Lithium Ion Battery Waste and Membrane Based Removal of Antibiotics from Wastewater: A Review. His work on electromagnetic interference is also significant, particularly in the publication Multifunctional Composite Materials for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
He has contributed to the understanding of oxidative stress through Oxidative Stress Modulating Nanomaterials and Their Biochemical Roles in Nanomedicine and provided insights into nanofiltration in Polyester-Based Thin-Film Composite Membranes for Nanofiltration of Saline Water: A Review. Additionally, Professor Patel has explored advancements in nanostructured electrocatalysts with Sol–Gel-Derived Nanostructured Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction: A Review and examined the efficiency of hemodialysis membranes in Recent Progress in Hemodialysis Membrane: A Review. His comprehensive studies on membrane technologies include Virus Purification by Membrane Chromatography: A Review and Thin Film Nanocomposite Based Nanofiltration Membrane for Wastewater Treatment: Fabrication and Dyes Removal.
Prof. Howard Kahm
Publishes
a Co-Edited Translation of Koryŏsa
Professor Howard Kahm has recently published his coedited translation, Koryŏsa: The History of Koryŏ, Annals of the Kings, 918-1095 (University of Hawai’i Press). As one of the most significant historical texts in Korean history, the Koryŏsa stands as the principal surviving record of the Koryŏ dynasty, from which the name “Korea” originates. The work sheds light on the politics, society, economy, culture, and key figures of the Koryŏ period.
This publication marks the first full-length, Englishlanguage translation of the introductory section of the Koryŏsa and the initial ten volumes of the Annals of the Kings. It covers the reigns of T’aejo Wang Kŏn (r. 918–943), the dynastic founder, through the fourteenth monarch, Hŏnjong (r. 1095). These annals span nearly two centuries of Koryŏ history, offering invaluable insights into the state’s birth and evolution and the rituals, warfare, diplomacy, and international relations with neighboring territories, including the Khitan, Jurchen, and Song China.
Prof. John M Frankl
Returns to Harvard-Yenching Institute as a Visiting Associate
Prof. John M. Frankl, Professor of Korean and Comparative Literature, has been appointed as a Harvard-Yenching Institute Visiting Associate for the fall semester. This prestigious position is reserved for senior scholars who have previously served as Harvard-Yenching Visiting Scholars, a distinction Professor Frankl earned during his tenure from 2012 to 2013.
During his time at Harvard, Professor Frankl plans to finalize and submit an article based on his current research project, titled Tourism qua Critique of Asymmetrical Japanese Colonial Policies in Yi Sang’s “Miscellaneous Writings by Autumn Lamplight.”
Prof. Keeheon Lee
Secures Prestigious National Research Grant to Advance AI-Driven Decision Intelligence at Yonsei University
Prof. Keeheon Lee, Associate Professor of Creative Technology Management (CTM), has received a prestigious mid-career research grant from Korea’s National Research Foundation under the Ministry of Science and ICT. This highly competitive grant supports world-leading research by exceptional scholars. Professor Lee’s new project, “Decision Intelligence: Computational Linguistic Modeling and Evaluation,” focuses on transforming human language-driven decision-making processes into executable formats for computers using deep learning and language models. This research aims to improve logical reasoning and error-free decisionmaking in both human and AI contexts, advancing the Human Theory of Language and Meaning alongside interpretable AI.
Previously, Professor Lee secured grants from the National Research Foundation of Korea for research in Generative Adversarial Scenario Models (2017-2020) and Human-Object Interaction-based Visual Understanding for Smart Work (2021-2024).
Prof. Keeheon Lee and CTM Student Boa Kim
Presented a Paper on AI Venture Companies’ Network Positions at the Prestigious PICMET 2024 Conference
Professor Keeheon Lee and Creative Technology Management (CTM) student Boa Kim presented a research paper titled “The Network Position of AI Venture Companies in Investment Network: Social Capital Matters” at the prestigious *PICMET 2024 Conference. Their study challenges the conventional closure network theory, finding that structural hole theory more effectively explains the connection between social capital and performance in Korean AI startups. Based on their findings, they recommend that Korean AI startups prioritize building relationships with a select group of efficient investors instead of pursuing extensive networking.
Kim, who took a course titled “Social Network Analysis,” developed the paper using Korean investment data to analyze the AI innovation ecosystem under Professor Lee’s supervision. She expressed appreciation for Professor Lee’s mentorship, stating that the journey from thesis to conference presentation provided valuable insights into the social network industry.
*PICMET (Portland International Conference on Management of Engineering and Technology) is a major international conference established in 1989 to advance technology management and foster innovation through the integration of technology and management.
