Seoul National University said on the 13th that it has selected the late Kim Jung-sik, chairman of Daeduck Electronics; Kim Jong-sup, chairman of Samick Musical Instruments; and Lee Yeon-hyun, chief executive of Hwagwang Corporation, as recipients of the 36th Distinguished Seoul National University Alumni Award.
Kim Jung-sik, who graduated from the university's College of Engineering with a degree in communications engineering in 1956, founded Daeduck Industrial — now Daeduck Electronics — and led efforts to localize printed circuit board (PCB) production and build domestic technological capacity. He also established the Haedong Science and Culture Foundation and the Daeduck Welfare Foundation, supporting the training of science and technology talent and scholarship programs.
Kim Jong-sup, who graduated from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with a degree in social work in 1970, founded heavy equipment maker Speco and grew Samick Musical Instruments into a global company. He served as president of the Seoul National University Alumni Association and chairman of the Kwanak Society foundation, supporting students and taking a leading role in public service activities at home and abroad, including with the Red Cross and COPION.
Lee Yeon-hyun, who graduated from the College of Law with a degree in law in 1982, has run Hwagwang Corporation and has supported the education of a wide range of students, including those from marginalized groups, through the Hakbong Scholarship Foundation. Lee has also funded education and research at the university's School of Law and Institute for Japanese Studies, and has contributed to academic development and greater mutual understanding between South Korea and Japan by establishing the Hakbong Award and supporting academic and civic exchanges and cultural projects.
Seoul National University has presented the award since 1991. The ceremony will be held on the 14th at the university's 80th anniversary celebration.