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Rwandan Ambassador to Korea Visits YU Six Times, Requests Cooperation Centered on Saemaul Programs Ambassador Nkubito Calls for Expanding Educational Partnerships Across Diverse Academic Fields Collaboration to Foster Practice-Oriented Talent Based on Local Needs in Rwanda Concrete Plans for “Outstanding Student Recruitment–Education–Performance Management” and Long-Term Degree-Based Talent Development Model [April 20, 2026] <The Rwandan Ambassador to Korea and delegation visited YU to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation and talent development initiatives> (From left: President CHOI Oe-chool, Ambassador Nkubito Manzi Bakuramutsa) The international exchange between YU (President CHOI Oe-chool) and Rwanda, which began with cooperation on the “localization of the Saemaul Undong,” is now expanding into diverse academic fields including engineering and agriculture. This step-by-step expansion of collaboration between a Korean university and a foreign government for local talent development is regarded as a model case of global academic cooperation. On April 15, Ambassador Nkubito Manzi Bakuramutsa of Rwanda to Korea and his delegation visited YU, met with President CHOI Oe-chool, and discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation projects and strengthen talent development initiatives. Including visits by his predecessor, this marked the sixth visit by a Rwandan ambassador to YU. During the meeting, both sides agreed to further strengthen the cooperation framework built around Saemaul programs while expanding the scope of their educational partnership into a broader range of academic disciplines. In particular, they discussed concrete measures to recruit outstanding Rwandan students to YU and establish linked degree programs. Both parties plan to explore new program models to facilitate Rwandan students’ admission to YU, along with practical discussions on scholarship support and selection processes. Ambassador Nkubito stated, “YU’s expertise in Saemaul Studies and international development cooperation, along with its experience in talent cultivation, can provide meaningful opportunities for Rwandan youth.” He added, “The President of Rwanda places strong value on citizen-driven policy and change. In this regard, building a strategic partnership between Rwanda and YU, which has institutionalized the Saemaul Undong academically, could generate even greater impact. I hope more Rwandan students will come to YU to study across various disciplines.” Currently, around 50 Rwandan students have graduated from or are enrolled in YU’s Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul. President CHOI remarked, “Based on YU’s accumulated experience in Saemaul Studies and international development cooperation, we will do our utmost to systematically design diverse growth pathways for young Rwandan talent.” He continued, “In addition to educating future generations, leadership that promotes policies with trust and consistency is equally important. In that sense, President Paul Kagame demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities. If Rwandan youth can share and localize YU’s expertise in Saemaul-based international development, combined with President Kagame’s leadership, Rwanda can achieve even more rapid national development. Furthermore, I believe Korea’s model of compressed economic growth can be successfully replicated in Rwanda.” This initiative aims not only to enhance the capacity of developing countries’ talent in community development, but also to cultivate practice-oriented professionals tailored to Rwanda’s national needs, including advancements in food and agriculture, as well as the expansion of infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities. The significance of this discussion lies in its transition beyond short-term training programs toward designing a long-term, degree-based talent development pipeline across multiple disciplines. The international cooperation between YU and Rwanda has gradually evolved through sharing Saemaul Studies and Korea’s development experience. In November 2020, then Rwandan Ambassador to Korea Yasmin Amri Sued visited YU to discuss cooperation on localizing the Saemaul Undong, laying the foundation for collaboration. In March 2021, YU signed an agreement with Rwanda’s Ministry of Education, establishing an institutional framework including recommendations for international students to the Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul. In October 2024, at the request of Rwanda’s Minister of Education, President CHOI visited Rwanda and delivered a special lecture on Saemaul education to presidents and vice presidents of five major universities, including the University of Rwanda, as well as senior officials from the Ministry of Education. Building on these accumulated efforts, the current discussion represents a new phase of cooperation. Moving forward, YU plans to institutionalize regular consultation channels with the Rwandan government and further develop a structured system encompassing student selection, education, and performance management, thereby designing more comprehensive growth pathways for Rwandan youth. Meanwhile, travel YouTuber Pani Bottle recently gained significant attention after posting a video titled “A Visit to a Rwandan Village That Thrived by Adopting Korea’s Saemaul Undong.(https://youtu.be/OkGSeDPzXyQ?si=-p6CUV07al_tKJEa)” The video highlights a successful case of applying the Saemaul movement in Rwanda. Notably, a YU graduate working with KOICA in Rwanda appears in the video, directly explaining Saemaul Studies and vividly showcasing the achievements of YU’s international development Saemaul program.
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Research Team Led by Professor PARK Ju-hyun Proposes Novel Method for Estimating Geometric Models in Computer Vision Strong Academic and Industrial Interest for Applications in Autonomous Driving, 3D Reconstruction, Robotics Control, and Augmented Reality (AR) First-Author Paper by Dr. CHOI Yeon-gyu Published in IEEE TPAMI, World’s Leading Journal in Computer Vision [April 27, 2026] <Researcher CHOI Yeon-gyu from the Department of Electrical Engineering at YU> A research team led by Professor PARK Ju-hyun of the Department of Electrical Engineering at YU (President CHOI Oe-chool), under the Nonlinear Dynamics Laboratory, has developed an advanced optimization technology for geometric modeling in computer vision applicable to autonomous driving and robotics, drawing significant attention from both academia and industry. This study was conducted with Dr. CHOI Yeon-gyu of YU’s Department of Electrical Engineering as the first author. The research paper is scheduled to be published in the May 2026 issue of IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence (IEEE TPAMI) [JCR top 0.7%, Impact Factor 18.6], the world’s most prestigious journal in artificial intelligence and computer vision. Dr. CHOI explained, “This study focuses on advancing techniques that precisely model the geometric relationship between two images captured from different viewpoints of the same 3D scene by two cameras in computer vision. Conventional approaches have structural limitations in deriving optimal models in environments with significant noise or outliers. In this work, we address these limitations by introducing a novel post-processing mechanism that maximizes the inherent performance of the algorithm.” The newly proposed method, termed MEPC (Multi-Estimation-based Parameter Centroid), goes beyond the conventional practice of selecting a single model with the highest statistical score. Instead, it determines a central set of model parameters based on multiple hypothesis candidates generated through repeated estimation processes. This approach reduces the impact of data distortion and enables more accurate and stable geometric modeling. Notably, this technology can be applied across a wide range of vision-based industries that require highly precise geometric model estimation, including autonomous driving, 3D reconstruction, robotic control, and augmented reality (AR). In these fields, minimizing the effects of data distortion while accurately capturing the geometric structure of real-world environments is critically important. The research team stated, “This achievement expands the limits of how precisely model estimation can be optimized even in noisy environments. It is expected to significantly enhance the technological competitiveness of systems requiring high-precision sensor pose estimation, such as multi-sensor fusion, 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS), and Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM).” Building on this outcome, the team plans to conduct follow-up research aimed at advancing next-generation multimodal AI convergence and intelligent mobility systems. This research was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea.
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Genome Analysis of Human Remains from Imdang-dong and Joyeong-dong Tombs Reveals Three Kingdoms-Era Kinship Networks First Genetic Evidence of Consanguinity and Endogamy, Including Family-Based Human Sacrifice Burials Contributing to Korean and East Asian Ancient History Research, Published in Science Advances [April 9, 2026] <From left, Curator KIM Dae-uk of the YU Museum, Professor WOO Eun-jin of Sejong University, and Professor JEONG Choong-won of Seoul National University> YU (President CHOI Oe-chool) has drawn major academic attention by, for the first time, identifying complex kinship networks among ancient Koreans through genome analysis based on human skeletal remains. This study was conducted as an international collaborative project involving Curator KIM Dae-uk of the YU Museum, Professor WOO Eun-jin of Sejong University, Professor JEONG Choong-won of Seoul National University, and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. The research team analyzed human remains excavated from the Imdang-dong and Joyeong-dong ancient tomb complex in Gyeongsan, a representative archaeological site of the Three Kingdoms period, presenting new findings on local customs during the Silla era. Human bones and teeth can retain DNA over long periods depending on preservation conditions. Such ancient genomes provide valuable insights into past populations, including mobility, physical traits, kinship structures, and marriage practices. By extracting DNA from the remains of 78 individuals recovered from 44 tombs, the team identified biological kinship relationships and revealed that ancient inhabitants of the Gyeongsan region practiced consanguineous and endogamous marriages. KIM Dae-uk, co–first author and corresponding author of the study, stated, “The burial complexes of Imdang-dong and Joyeong-dong are tombs of descendants of the ancient Apdok state, where multiple sacrificial burials have been identified within large tombs. In addition to grave goods such as ornaments, weapons, and pottery, the site preserves animal remains consumed at the time, as well as the skeletal remains of both tomb owners and sacrificial individuals. This makes it an exceptional site where scientific analysis of human remains allows us to vividly reconstruct ancient lives, including kinship, dietary differences by social class, diseases, and sudden deaths.” The Seoul National University research team noted, “The patterns of endogamy observed among ancient Koreans in this study sharply contrast with the strict female exogamy commonly identified in ancient and medieval European societies. To date, genetically confirmed cases of such patterns in ancient societies have only been reported in Neolithic Türkiye and China,” highlighting the uniqueness of the findings. These results also carry significant archaeological implications. While historical texts such as Samguk Sagi document instances of consanguineous marriage within the Silla royal family, this is the first time such practices have been genetically verified. Demonstrating that endogamy and consanguinity were commonly practiced in regional Silla society represents a major historical and academic breakthrough. <Kinship network diagram of individuals buried in the Imdang-dong and Joyeong-dong tomb complex based on DNA analysis> The study also uncovered previously unverifiable kinship relationships among sacrificial individuals. Cases in which sacrificial individuals buried within the same tomb were identified as parent–child or siblings confirm that entire families were interred together as part of sacrificial burial practices for a specific tomb owner. Furthermore, no direct kinship ties were identified between tomb owners and sacrificial individuals. The rarity of close familial relationships between them indicates a clear segmentation of kinship structures according to burial status. The findings support prior archaeological hypotheses. Earlier studies suggested that adjacent tombs may belong to married couples, and this study confirmed spousal relationships between individuals buried in adjoining tombs through reconstructed family trees. This strongly suggests that similar adjacent tombs found in other burial complexes may also represent married couples. Additionally, while previous research hypothesized that kinship relationships would be segmented by spatial zones within the tomb complex, this study revealed that kinship ties extended across these zones, demonstrating the overall interconnectedness of the Imdang-dong and Joyeong-dong burial complex. The research team stated, “Through further analysis of ancient genomes from surrounding regions, we plan to investigate the scale and mobility of local communities during the Three Kingdoms period. Comparative studies with similar cases across Korea will help identify broader characteristics of regional societies of the time. We also aim to reconstruct ancient life in greater detail by studying ancient pathogen DNA, genetic diseases, and stress patterns.” This study is expected to stimulate greater interest and necessity in ancient genome research in Korea. KIM Dae-uk added, “Although recent achievements in ancient genome research in Korea have begun to be reported, there remains not only a lack of studies on kinship relationships within the Korean Peninsula, but also a shortage of sufficiently representative genomic data. It is expected that continued and active research like this will broaden academic discussion and interest in the previously unknown social customs and genetic composition of ancient Korean populations, thereby deepening our overall understanding of Koreans.” Meanwhile, this study was conducted with support from the “Apdok Cultural Heritage Research and Utilization Project” commissioned by Gyeongsan City, Gyeongsangbuk-do, as well as the National Research Foundation of Korea’s “Basic Research Program for Intensive, Long-term Research” and the “University Research Institute Support Program (G-LAMP).” The study was published on April 9, 2026, in Science Advances, an international journal issued by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, under the title “Ancient genomes reveal an extensive kinship network and endogamy in a Three-Kingdoms period society in Korea.”
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Exhibition Themed “Dokdo, the Island That Opens the Morning of Korea” Touring 80 Institutions and Schools Across Daegu, Gyeongbuk, Chungnam, and Gangwon from April to December Designed to Raise Awareness of Dokdo’s Significance Among Students and Citizens [April 21, 2026] <2026 Traveling Dokdo Exhibition “Dokdo, the Island That Opens the Morning of Korea,” hosted by YU Dokdo Institute (Daegu Sehyeon Elementary School)> YU (President CHOI Oe-chool) will host the “2026 Traveling Dokdo Exhibition” from April to December 2026 across the Daegu, Gyeongbuk, Chungnam, and Gangwon regions. On March 24, 2026, Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology announced the results of high school social studies textbook screenings, which included claims that “Dokdo is Japan’s inherent territory.” Furthermore, the Diplomatic Bluebook 2026, released on April 10, reiterates for the 13th consecutive year Japan’s assertion of territorial sovereignty over Dokdo. In response, the YU Dokdo Institute—designated as a policy-focused research institute by the Ministry of Education—has organized the “Traveling Dokdo Exhibition” in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Dokdo Foundation, the Gyeongsangbuk-do Office of Education, the Daegu Metropolitan Office of Education, the Chungcheongnam-do Office of Education, and the Gangwon Geography Education Research Association. Under the theme “Dokdo, the Island That Opens the Morning of Korea,” the exhibition will be held simultaneously across four regional venues, including the main exhibition space at Amnyang Middle School in Gyeongsan, from April 20 to December 22. <2026 Traveling Dokdo Exhibition “Dokdo, the Island That Opens the Morning of Korea,” hosted by YU Dokdo Institute (Amnyang Middle School, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk)> Marking the 11th annual “Dokdo Education Week,” this exhibition aims to address Japan’s distorted education on Dokdo while making the significance of Korea’s Dokdo accessible to the general public. The exhibition runs daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. In Gangwon Province, the exhibition began on April 13 at Jeongseon High School under the supervision of the Gangwon Geography Education Research Association. In Daegu and Chungnam, exhibitions opened on April 20 at Daegu Sehyeon Elementary School and Nonsan Middle School, respectively. The exhibition will continue as a traveling program across approximately 80 institutions and schools, including 24 in Gyeongsangbuk-do (Apr. 20–Dec. 22, 2026), 29 in Daegu (Apr. 20–Dec. 18, 2026), 13 middle and high schools in Chungcheongnam-do (Apr. 20–Oct. 30, 2026), and 15 middle and high schools in Gangwon (Apr. 13–Nov. 13, 2026). Professor CHOI Jae-mok, Director of the YU Dokdo Institute (Department of Philosophy), stated, “Since the revision of national curriculum guidelines in 2017 and 2018, Japan’s Ministry of Education has mandated the inclusion of territorial claims over Dokdo (Takeshima) in all elementary, middle, and high school social studies textbooks. This traveling exhibition has been designed to help students and citizens clearly recognize the unjust nature of such claims and to better understand the value of Dokdo.” He added, “We hope this exhibition will serve as an opportunity to deepen public knowledge and foster greater appreciation for Dokdo.”
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In Just 15 Years Since Its Establishment, Talent from 81 Developing Countries, Including Seven International Organizations such as the World Bank and WFP, Has Enrolled This Year, New Students from Four Countries—Central African Republic, Bhutan, Namibia, and Trinidad and Tobago—Admitted for the First Time [March 31, 2026] <Flag Attachment Ceremony for Newly Admitted Students from Four Countries at YU Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul (PSPS)> The global network of the Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul (PSPS) at Yeungnam University (YU), led by President CHOI Oe-chool, has expanded to 81 countries worldwide. In March 2026, a total of 29 new students from 20 countries newly joined PSPS, including, for the first time since its establishment, students from four countries—Central African Republic (CAF), Bhutan (BTN), Namibia (NAM), and Trinidad and Tobago (TTO)—who received their certificates of admission.As a result, the cumulative number of countries represented among admitted students increased significantly from 77 to 81. These newly admitted students will systematically acquire Korea’s development experience and know-how based on the Saemaul Undong and Saemaul Studies, and are expected to grow into key experts who will lead the development of their home countries. Since its establishment in 2011, PSPS has, in just 15 years, attracted young talents from 81 countries, including officials from seven international organizations such as the World Bank and the United Nations World Food Programme (UN WFP), drawing global attention.The majority of international students at PSPS come from developing countries, representing a highly distinctive achievement that is difficult to find at any other university worldwide. Why are developing countries around the world increasingly choosing YU? This is because global attention is being focused on the “Saemaul Undong” and “Saemaul Studies,” which are recognized as UNESCO documentary heritage.“Saemaul Studies” is an indigenous academic discipline of Korea established by Yeungnam University.Professor CHOI Oe-chool, the current President of YU, systematized the Saemaul Undong and Korea’s development experience into an academic discipline, which has been recognized both domestically and internationally. As the founding Dean of PSPS, President CHOI is also credited with laying the foundation for the school’s development. In particular, the case of the Central African Republic, which newly admitted students this year, is drawing attention. This is because the student was officially recommended by the government of the Central African Republic to promote the Saemaul Undong in the country. In October 2022, a delegation of 21 high-ranking officials, including minister-level officials dispatched under a special directive from the President of the Central African Republic, visited YU and participated in a two-week special training program to explore localization strategies for the Saemaul Undong. The President of the Central African Republic, who had shown strong interest in the Saemaul Undong, requested the Korean government to provide Saemaul education for senior officials, and the program was conducted by YU’s Institute of International Development Cooperation under the auspices of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). This initiative led the Central African Republic to actively pursue a government-led implementation of the Saemaul Undong. Subsequently, in August 2024 and August 2025, high-ranking officials, university professors, and community leaders from the Central African Republic visited YU again as part of training programs invited by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. This continued academic exchange and strong mutual trust have ultimately led to enrollment in the Master’s program in Saemaul Studies. Agossingala Soleil Levant (Department of Saemaul International Development), a former employee of a state-owned enterprise in the Central African Republic who enrolled in March this year, stated, “Many countries look to Korea’s economic prosperity and remarkable development as a role model. I believe this is why developing countries around the world choose PSPS at Yeungnam University.” He added, “I have great expectations for my studies at YU, as I will not only learn Saemaul Studies and Korea’s development experience systematized by the university, but also have the opportunity to study, share knowledge, and build networks with government officials and experts from various fields who have come from all over the world.” President CHOI Oe-chool of YU remarked, “Saemaul Studies is an academic discipline that systematizes the content of the Saemaul Undong—policy-driven initiatives rooted in the Hongik Ingan philosophy of benefiting humanity. It goes beyond Korea’s experience of overcoming poverty and serves as a practical development model that enables developing countries to achieve self-sustained growth.” He continued, “The fact that talented individuals from developing countries who once participated in training programs at YU are returning to enroll in full-degree programs demonstrates that Saemaul Studies has firmly established itself as a key educational content for sustainable development across the globe.” He further emphasized, “YU will spare no effort in supporting international students who have internalized the Saemaul spirit—diligence, self-help, cooperation, sharing, service, and creativity—so that they can play pivotal roles not only in the development of their home countries but also in addressing global challenges such as climate change and advancing shared prosperity for future generations.In particular, we will strengthen our educational efforts to help developing countries overcome poverty by developing and integrating curricula that actively utilize artificial intelligence (AI).” <International Students Enrolled at YU Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul (PSPS)> PSPS has been nurturing international development experts, primarily targeting officials from international organizations, as well as civil servants and public sector professionals from developing countries.A total of 1,096 individuals from 81 countries—including officials from seven international organizations such as the World Bank and the United Nations World Food Programme (UN WFP)—have studied at PSPS, contributing to high-level social impact in the international community. These graduates are actively serving as key policymakers, Saemaul international development experts, and leaders of the Saemaul Undong in central government ministries, public institutions, and international development NGOs around the world. As of March 2026, 158 international students from 29 countries are currently enrolled. On March 30, YU held a flag attachment ceremony for the four newly admitted countries of this year, attended by President CHOI Oe-chool, senior faculty members, and international students.
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YU Takes First Step in International Exchange with Leading U.S. Think Tank, The Korea Society Special Lecture by President CHOI Oe-chool: “Korea and the U.S. Future Generations Should Work Together to Build a Safer and Happier World” [April 6, 2026] <American High School Students Experiencing Korea’s Traditional Coming-of-Age Ceremonies at Ssangsongjeong in the Folk Village of Yeungnam University> Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) has taken its first step in international exchange cooperation with The Korea Society, a leading American private think tank dedicated to Korea–U.S. relations. On April 1, as the inaugural exchange event, 24 American public high school juniors and seniors visited YU and participated in a unique cultural program at Ssangsongjeong in the university’s on-campus folk village. There, they experienced Korea’s traditional coming-of-age ceremonies—Gwallye (冠禮) for men and Gyerye (筓禮) for women.Wearing traditional ceremonial attire such as dangui and dopo, along with jokduri and gat, the students followed traditional Korean etiquette, performed formal rites, and received their courtesy names (ja), symbolizing adulthood. Through this immersive experience, they reflected on social responsibility and life goals while gaining a deeper understanding of Korean culture. The event was organized part of “Project Bridge,” a flagship educational program of The Korea Society.as Launched in 1993, Project Bridge aims to enhance understanding of Korea by selecting outstanding high school students from major U.S. cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Montana as “Youth Ambassadors.” Over the course of a year, participants engage in Korean language study, workshops on Korean society and culture, research and presentations, and a 9-night, 10-day study tour in Korea, culminating in community presentations back in the United States. East Kaufhold, an 11th-grade student from Brooklyn High School who received the courtesy name “Sumyeong” (秀明) during the ceremony, said, “I’m truly happy to have taken part in such a meaningful coming-of-age ceremony and to receive a special name at YU’s folk village surrounded by cherry blossoms in full bloom. My love for Korea has deepened, and I will do my best to share what I have seen and felt with my community when I return.” <President CHOI Oe-chool Delivering a Special Lecture to American High School Students Visiting YU as Part of The Korea Society’s Project Bridge Program> Prior to the ceremony, President CHOI Oe-chool personally delivered a special lecture to the visiting students.Drawing from his own experiences, he explained the historical relationship between Korea and the United States, receiving enthusiastic responses from the audience. He particularly highlighted the evolution of Korea–U.S. relations since the Korean War, as well as Korea’s remarkable transformation from one of the world’s poorest nations after the war into a developed country. He also introduced the Saemaul Undong, widely regarded as one of the key driving forces behind this transformation, capturing the students’ strong interest. During the lecture, President CHOI stated, “I belong to the generation that has witnessed Korea’s remarkable journey from one of the poorest countries after the Korean War to a developed nation today. Through that experience, I have come to dream of a world where no child suffers from hunger.” He continued, “Under the slogan ‘Toward a Safer and Happier World,’ YU is making practical efforts as a university. If Korea and the United States continue to cooperate based on trust, and if YU fulfills its role as an educational institution in cultivating talents who contribute to the prosperity of humanity, I believe we can create a world where more people live happy lives. I hope the students here today will join in this vision and effort.” His remarks were met with enthusiastic applause. In response, Linda Tobash, who led the delegation as Senior Education Advisor at The Korea Society, said, “We are deeply grateful to Yeungnam University for providing students with memories they will cherish for a lifetime. The materials shared by President CHOI during his lecture, reflecting Korea’s history and lived experiences, hold special meaning for me. I served in Korea as a Peace Corps volunteer for three years starting in 1976, when the Saemaul Undong was in full swing. I personally witnessed the dedication and energy of the Korean people, which I believe became the driving force behind today’s Republic of Korea.” She added, “Through today’s experience at YU, students have gained a much deeper understanding of what they have learned about Korea over the past year. We have also been teaching about the Saemaul Undong and the leadership of Park Chung-hee, and I am confident that President CHOI’s lecture resonated deeply with them. We hope this visit will serve as a starting point for developing a wider range of educational and cultural exchange programs with YU.” The Korea Society was established in 1957 by prominent figures from Korea and the United States, including General James A. Van Fleet, who served as commander of the U.S. Eighth Army during the Korean War, with the aim of strengthening Korea–U.S. relations. Based in New York, it is widely recognized as a leading private think tank promoting bilateral exchange across policy, education, and cultural sectors. The Korean government has also valued the organization’s symbolic significance and global network. During a visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly last year, First Lady KIM Hye-kyung attended an event hosted by The Korea Society and engaged with future generations of the Korean diaspora. In February this year, Foreign Minister CHO Hyun also met with a delegation from the organization to discuss ways to enhance Korea–U.S. cooperation, underscoring its role as a trusted private bridge between the two countries. <American High School Students Walking Along the Cherry Blossom Path on the YU Campus Wearing Traditional Korean Attire> President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “I hope that the education and experiences at YU will not remain a one-time visit to Korea, but will serve as an opportunity for future generations of Korea and the United States to understand and learn from each other’s values and historical contexts.” He added, We hope that this first step with The Korea Society will lead to the continuous expansion of exchange activities that contribute not only to both institutions but also to Korea–U.S. friendship and shared global prosperity.“ In particular, by cultivating talent based on Saemaul Studies—which systematizes the Saemaul Undong—we aim to work together in addressing global challenges such as poverty reduction and climate change.” Meanwhile, building on this initial exchange with The Korea Society, YU plans to develop a sustainable international cooperation model centered on future generations. Meanwhile, building on this initial exchange with The Korea Society, YU plans to develop a sustainable international cooperation model centered on future generations.
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Blood Cancer Drug Homoharringtonine Selectively Eliminates Senescent Cells, Improving Obesity and Blood Glucose Control Simultaneously Potential to Alleviate Age-Related Diseases (Obesity, Diabetes, Chronic Inflammation) Together, with Significant Economic and Industrial Impact Published in the Latest Issue of Nature Communications, a World-Renowned Journal in Natural Sciences [April 1, 2026] <Research Team at the Senotherapy-Based Metabolic Disease Control Research Center, Yeungnam University> (From left: Professors KIM Eok-cheon, PARK So-young, and KIM Jae-ryong) A research team led by Professor PARK So-young at the College of Medicine of Yeungnam University (YU), Director of the Senotherapy-Based Metabolic Disease Control Research Center, has gained significant attention for presenting a novel approach that selectively removes “senescent cells” accumulated in the body, thereby simultaneously improving obesity and blood glucose regulation. As the human body ages or becomes obese, senescent cells gradually accumulate in adipose (fat) tissue. These cells trigger inflammation, impair the function of surrounding cells and tissues, and consequently make weight gain more likely while hindering effective blood glucose control. The research team demonstrated through animal experiments that Homoharringtonine—a drug traditionally used to treat blood cancer and derived from the Cephalotaxus tree—can reduce senescent cells in adipose tissue while having minimal impact on normal cells. This leads to decreased inflammation and improved obesity and glucose regulation. Professor PARK So-young explained, “This study goes beyond merely alleviating symptoms.It identifies the accumulation of senescent cells as a key cause not only of aging but also of obesity and metabolic diseases, and proposes a new therapeutic approach that directly eliminates these cells.We expect this to significantly contribute to the treatment of diseases such as obesity and diabetes.” In today’s rapidly aging society, attention is shifting from simply extending life expectancy to increasing “healthy lifespan”—the period of life free from disease or disability. Age-related conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and chronic inflammatory diseases are widely recognized as major factors that increase healthcare costs and diminish quality of life. This study is particularly significant in that it suggests the possibility of simultaneously alleviating multiple chronic diseases by targeting one of the fundamental causes of the aging process, and is therefore evaluated as providing an important clue toward extending healthy lifespan. The findings are also expected to have significant ripple effects in both economic and industrial sectors. The global market for anti-aging therapeutics is rapidly expanding, and treatment strategies that directly target aging mechanisms are emerging as a key sector in the next-generation bio industry. Notably, this study reveals a new function of an already clinically used drug, highlighting the significance of drug repositioning, which can greatly reduce development time and costs while increasing the likelihood of commercialization. The potential applications are broad. Beyond obesity and type 2 diabetes, the findings may extend to various chronic diseases associated with aging and could lead to the development of precision therapies targeting senescent cells. The research team stated, “We plan to expand our investigation of the anti-aging effects of Homoharringtonine to muscle aging, particularly focusing on sarcopenia, a major age-related condition characterized by loss of muscle mass and strength. We have also identified a key clue that Homoharringtonine inhibits HSPA5, a critical regulator of protein homeostasis within cells.” HSPA5 is known to help cells maintain function under stress and is closely associated with aging. The team added, “If we can precisely regulate HSPA5, it may enable a new therapeutic strategy to selectively control senescent cells. We are currently conducting research to develop inhibitors targeting HSPA5 and accelerating the development of safer and more effective next-generation anti-aging treatments. Ultimately, we aim to go beyond disease treatment and contribute to building a society where people age healthily.” Meanwhile, this study was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea through its Basic Research Program (Leading Research Center and Excellent Research Support Projects), as well as by Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and Daegu Metropolitan City. The research was conducted in collaboration with YU’s Senotherapy-Based Metabolic Disease Control Research Center and a joint team led by Professor SUNG Hoon-gi at the University of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children in Canada.The findings were published online on March 31, 2026, in Nature Communications under the title: “Homoharringtonine exhibits senotherapeutic activity that mitigates diet- and age-associated obesity and insulin resistance and extends lifespan in mice.”
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New Alumni Association President JUNG Tae-il Visits YU, Reaches Consensus with President CHOI Oe-chool on “Normalizing University–Alumni Relations” “We Will Report Alumni News More Responsibly” … “Let’s Build a Win-Win Model for University–Alumni–Graduates” Agreement to Hold a ‘Campus Trekking Event’ for Alumni Unity in May [March 26, 2026] <From left: JUNG Tae-il, President of the YU General Alumni Association, and President CHOI Oe-chool> Yeungnam University (YU), led by President CHOI Oe-chool, and its General Alumni Association, headed by President JUNG Tae-il, have agreed to join forces and move forward with a unified voice for the development of their alma mater. On March 19, JUNG Tae-il, who assumed office in February this year as the 44th President of the YU General Alumni Association, visited the university along with key alumni officials and met with President CHOI Oe-chool. During the meeting, both sides reached a shared understanding on normalizing their previously strained relationship. They agreed to use this occasion as a turning point to restore communication, rebuild mutual trust, and pursue forward-looking cooperation. President JUNG stated, “The Alumni Association exists to support our alma mater, and when the university thrives, alumni pride also grows. Leaving the past behind, we will focus our efforts on building a future-oriented relationship with YU. We will contribute to the university’s development in a more constructive way than before.” He added, “We will approach our role with renewed determination so that the Alumni Association can function more effectively. At the same time, we hope the university will work together with us to ensure a healthy and active alumni network.” An alumni official present at the meeting remarked, “Many who care deeply about the university and the Alumni Association have described the past four years as a ‘difficult period.’ With President JUNG at the center, we expect the Alumni Association to quickly return to normal.” President JUNG previously served as the 40th and 41st President of the YU General Alumni Association. Upon assuming office again as the 44th President, he emphasized restoring relations between the Alumni Association and YU as his top priority. This visit to his alma mater reflects that strong commitment. The meeting also included discussions on a joint event to promote unity among alumni and university members. President JUNG proposed, “It would be meaningful to hold a trekking event in May—when the YU campus is at its most beautiful—where alumni can gather and showcase their unity to the local community.” In response, President CHOI said, “Let us jointly plan the purpose and operation of the event to create a model of harmony between the university and its alumni association that other universities will admire.” President JUNG further emphasized, “When the collective support of our 290,000 alumni comes together as one, both the university and the Alumni Association can grow. This is also the core mission of the Alumni Association. We will take the lead in acting responsibly. We also hope the university will make efforts to encourage alumni to visit their alma mater more often. We will move forward by closing the chapter on the past and opening the door to the future. Going forward, we will ensure more careful and responsible reporting in the alumni newsletter.” President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “Next year marks the 80th anniversary of our university. This is a crucial time when the role of the Alumni Association and the unity of alumni are more important than ever. The 80th anniversary is not just a celebration for the university, but a meaningful occasion to restore pride for all alumni. Looking ahead, I hope that the General Alumni Association and all alumni will come together in unity to support our alma mater’s leap toward its centennial.” He continued, “As mentioned earlier, I sincerely hope that no further harm will be caused to members of our university community by misinformation. During past admissions periods, repeated inaccurate reporting in the alumni newsletter and certain actions by a few individuals caused considerable disappointment among university members. Now is the time to correct past mistakes and move forward together with a shared vision.” He added, “The university will also strengthen communication and actively cooperate to support the healthy growth and proper role of the Alumni Association.Let us take the 80th anniversary as an opportunity to build a model of mutual growth where the university, the Alumni Association, and alumni unite as one and set an example for society.” Starting with this meeting, YU and its General Alumni Association have taken the first step toward restoring their relationship. Both sides agreed to continue discussions on regular communication and joint initiatives, while exploring practical cooperation projects that will enable the university, its alumni, and the local community to grow together.
- PR team
- 2026. 04. 09
- 2026. 03. 26
- 1527
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Undergraduate Admissions Briefing for Korean Language Trainees Draws Strong Interest with Over 300 Vietnamese Attendees Since President CHOI’s Inauguration, International Student Enrollment Surges by 71.6% Over Four Years, Far Exceeding National Average Growth “Language Training–Linked Undergraduate Recruitment Model” … Seamless Study Path from Korean Language Institute to Undergraduate Programs Comprehensive Briefing Covers Majors, Curriculum, Application Procedures, and Senior Students’ Study Abroad Experiences [March 23, 2026] <President CHOI Oe-chool delivers a presentation at the Undergraduate Admissions Briefing for Korean language trainees at the Korean Language and International Language Institute of Yeungnam University.> CHOI Oe-chool, President of YU, has stepped forward to actively lead efforts to attract international students. As universities across Korea pursue international student recruitment as a key strategy for sustainable development amid a sharp decline in the school-age population, it is particularly noteworthy that the university president is directly engaging in student recruitment activities. YU held an undergraduate admissions briefing session over two days, on the 19th and 20th, for Vietnamese Korean language trainees currently studying at its affiliated Korean Language and International Language Institute.More than 300 Vietnamese trainees attended the session, reflecting strong interest. Notably, at the session held on the 20th, President CHOI personally participated and recommended enrollment at YU. This briefing was organized as part of YU’s “language training–linked international student recruitment” strategy, which connects the Korean language training stage directly to undergraduate study at Korean universities. YU focused on strengthening practical motivation for academic advancement, recognizing that trainees at the Korean Language and International Language Institute possess strong Korean language proficiency and a high level of understanding of the university, making them highly likely to continue into undergraduate programs. During the session, YU introduced its external achievements and educational competitiveness, as demonstrated through global university rankings, and provided detailed guidance on the strengths of its undergraduate programs, including international student–tailored curricula, major selection strategies, and academic support systems. In addition, the University offered customized admissions guidance tailored to individual student circumstances, along with information on key admission guidelines and application procedures. In particular, a Vietnamese international student currently enrolled at YU personally attended the session and shared their own experiences—including the process of preparing for admission to YU, their experience of studying abroad, their academic adaptation process, and information about campus life—providing an opportunity to address the questions of prospective applicants. This session provided prospective applicants with practical information they needed while strengthening their motivation to pursue undergraduate studies. With President CHOI personally presenting YU’s vision and international student support system, the level of engagement and response from the Vietnamese trainees in attendance was notably high. Nguyen Trong Hao, a Vietnamese Korean language trainee who attended the session, stated, “My questions about undergraduate programs, major selection, application procedures, as well as school support and adjustment to student life have been largely resolved, which has increased my interest and expectations for undergraduate study.” He added, “Above all, seeing the President personally introduce the university gave me a strong sense that YU is genuinely committed to attracting international students, which increased my trust.” President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “Korean language trainees studying at the Korean Language and International Language Institute have strong Korean proficiency, a solid understanding of the university, and a clear motivation to pursue further studies, making them highly likely to continue into undergraduate programs. This represents the most effective model for attracting global talent.” He emphasized, “YU does not view international student recruitment merely as student enrollment, but as a core strategy to expand the University’s educational competitiveness globally and to build a campus environment where international and domestic students grow together into global talents.” He continued, “In the global era, universities must change their perspective on international students. For students entering university, regardless of nationality, nationality is simply a geographical background and cannot define the essence of education and growth.” He further noted, “Many international students discover their own growth when they graduate.Vietnamese students, in particular, not only demonstrate strong academic passion and capability but also possess admirable character. I am confident that studying at YU will enable them to grow into global talents.” He added, “YU possesses a well-established and accumulated capacity in education and research to share Korea’s development experience—from one of the world’s poorest countries to a developed nation. Sharing this experience with students from developing countries is an important pillar of global social contribution, and YU will actively engage in educational sharing for international students.” Finally, he stated, “This briefing is intended to move students from ‘interest’ to ‘action’ in their academic decisions. We will fully support global talents, including those from Vietnam, so they can grow at YU and become individuals who connect regions and the world. Do not hesitate—knock on the door of YU.” Since President CHOI’s inauguration, the growth in international student enrollment at YU has been particularly remarkable. The number of international students increased from 1,277 in 2021 to 2,191 in 2025, representing a 71.6% increase over four years, far exceeding the national average growth rate during the same period. Recently, YU established an International Student Support Division within its Office of International Affairs and created a subordinate International Student Career and Settlement Team to support students’ settlement and employment in Korea. With President CHOI directly overseeing recruitment initiatives—such as the undergraduate admissions briefing for Korean language trainees—the growth rate of international students at YU is expected to accelerate even further. Meanwhile, YU plans to use this initiative as an opportunity to further strengthen its undergraduate-linked programs and counseling systems for trainees at the Korean Language and International Language Institute, while advancing country- and region-specific recruitment strategies to increase the rate of undergraduate enrollment among outstanding international students. As of March 2026, 664 Korean language trainees from 39 countries, including Vietnam and China, are studying at the institute. Vietnam, in particular, is one of Korea’s top three trading partners and a key economic partner. It is estimated that more than 9,000 Korean companies operate in Vietnam, accounting for over 30% of the country’s total exports. YU’s proactive efforts to attract international students are expected to contribute not only to economic exchange but also to the further expansion of educational exchange.
- PR team
- 2026. 03. 26
- 2026. 03. 23
- 3621
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KRW 5 Billion Annually, Up to KRW 20 Billion Over Four Years to Build an ‘AX Hub University’ Driving University–Industry–Regional Co-Growth Strengthening Status as an AI Hub University through Selection for the Ministry of Education’s ‘Advanced Industry Talent Development Bootcamp’ (AI Field) Synergy Expected in Fostering AI Specialists through External Funding and AI-Based Education and Research Infrastructure [March 11, 2026] <Virtual image of YU created using AI> Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) has been selected as a participating university in the “Gyeongbuk-Style Glocal University” initiative, a core project under the Regional Innovation System & Education (RISE) led by Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Government. With this selection, YU will take on a central role as a hub university leading the AI-driven transformation of regional strategic industries within the “university–industry–region” co-growth framework promoted by Gyeongsangbuk-do. The “Gyeongbuk-Style Glocal University” initiative is a university-led regional innovation ecosystem project designed to enhance regional competitiveness by linking universities with future advanced industries and regional strategic sectors, expanding collaboration opportunities with domestic and global companies, and strengthening alignment with national higher education policies. YU has been selected for the “AI-centered Glocal University” track and will receive KRW 5 billion annually, up to KRW 20 billion over four years (2026–2029, 2+2 years). Through this support, YU plans to establish itself as an “AI+X (AX, AI Transformation) Hub University” to lead the transformation of regional strategic industries. YU has established three major goals and is advancing the project accordingly: ▲ becoming a Gyeongbuk AI+X hub university leading the transformation of regional strategic industries; ▲ becoming the largest AI+X workforce training university in Gyeongbuk; and ▲ becoming a global hub university for shared AI value. To achieve these goals, YU has formulated three key strategic initiatives: △ building an AI transformation ecosystem linked with global companies; △ fostering regionally tailored AI+X talent; and △ realizing a model for the expansion and sharing of “AI for All” values. Based on these initiatives, YU will systematically implement a series of measures, including driving industrial advancement through the establishment of three AI solution hubs in Gyeongsan, Yeongcheon, and Uiseong; promoting AI-based youth entrepreneurship; restructuring its academic system centered on AI; establishing industry-integrated, field-oriented AI practical training programs; developing and building campus-wide AI education infrastructure; and leading AI-based solutions to regional challenges while expanding models for shared AI value creation. Through these efforts, YU aims to take a leading role in the era of AI-driven transformation. In particular, YU plans to establish a university-led AI transformation control tower that connects government, industry, academia, and research sectors. Leveraging its expertise in education and research, YU will cultivate AI professionals, support the advancement of AI-based leading companies in fields such as bio, mobility, and ICT, and foster youth entrepreneurship. Furthermore, by promoting the development of future-oriented advanced industries and creating a youth settlement ecosystem, YU aims to strengthen a virtuous cycle structure for sustainable regional development. <Virtual image of YU created using AI> Recently, YU was also selected as the operating university for the AI field in the “2026 Advanced Industry Talent Development Bootcamp” program organized by the Ministry of Education (South Korea) and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT), securing a project worth KRW 7.6 billion through 2030. With the additional selection as a Gyeongbuk-Style Glocal University, YU has further solidified its position as a hub institution for AI talent development. YU is also preparing to launch a system in April that will allow all university members—including students and faculty—to freely and unlimitedly use globally utilized AI tools. Combined with various government and local funding programs and the establishment of AI-based education and research infrastructure, strong synergy in project implementation is anticipated. President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “This selection as a Gyeongbuk-Style Glocal University will serve as a critical turning point for YU to advance as a leading institution in AI-driven industrial transformation and AI talent development.” He added, “The University’s research capabilities will contribute to enhancing corporate technologies and competitiveness, while AI-based specialized education across academic fields will elevate students’ competencies to meet the needs of industry and society.” He continued, “AI-driven industrial transformation will lead to a fundamental shift in the educational paradigm—from a ‘credential-centered’ hierarchy to a ‘competency-centered’ system.” He further emphasized, “YU will go beyond imparting specialized knowledge and take the lead in nurturing socially responsible talents who embody the values of coexistence and sustainable development on a global scale.” He concluded, “The era in which specialized knowledge was monopolized by a few is coming to an end. With the advancement of AI, everyone can now access and utilize specialized knowledge. YU will lead this transformation by integrating Korea’s accumulated development experience with advanced AI knowledge, becoming a central university in cultivating talents for the ‘AI Sapiens’ era and a frontrunner in driving this change.”
- PR team
- 2026. 03. 26
- 2026. 03. 11
- 3614
