□ DGIST (President Kunwoo Lee) announced that it had held its 2026 fall commencement ceremony on August 14 at the DGIST Convention Hall. At the ceremony, a total of 179 interdisciplinary science and technology graduates received their degrees. These graduates included 46 doctoral, 74 master’s, and 59 bachelor’s degree recipients.
□ At the event, representative graduates who had drawn attention for their outstanding research achievements and clear sense of purpose made particularly noteworthy remarks. Seo Young Yang (Ph.D.), who had entered DGIST in 2014 as a member of its first undergraduate cohort, recently achieved the notable accomplishment of publishing a paper in the international journal Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, which has an Impact Factor (IF) of 81.2. “The essence of science and technology lies in sharing,” said Yang. “I will freely share the valuable knowledge gained through my research with the world and become a leading figure who will guide the next generation.”
□ Furthermore, Eunho Chung (B.S.), the student representative of the School of Undergraduate Studies and recipient of the 2025 Next-Generation Engineer Award from the Institute for Promotion of Engineering and Science of Korea, said, “It is important to gain experience by devoting oneself to the tasks at hand. I will strive to turn the happiness I have found as an engineering student into happiness for the world.” He intends to continue his studies in the master’s program at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at DGIST, with more in-depth research.
□ Furthermore, an honorary doctorate in engineering was conferred upon PyungHwa Group Chairperson Jong Seok Kim at the ceremony in recognition of his contributions to the development of Korea’s automotive parts industry. Chairperson Kim generated import substitution effects worth trillions of won by localizing the production of key automotive rubber components and was recognized for his contributions to joint research and talent development in the robotics industry since the early days of DGIST. The DGIST Alumni Association also presented him with a special plaque as a gesture of welcome.
□ Heartfelt words of encouragement and congratulatory remarks for the graduates followed. “The degree you receive today marks the starting point for encountering new questions and seeking answers in the wider world,” said President Kunwoo Lee. “Rather than following a predetermined path, I hope you will forge your own new paths and shape the future by boldly taking on challenges without fear of failure,” he added, urging the graduates to practice altruistic leadership and continuous learning.
□ Professor Ilyoung Jeong of Inha University, who received considerable attention through appearances on the YouTube channel “CHIMCHAKMAN” and other programs, then took the stage as a special commencement speaker. Professor Jeong offered heartfelt encouragement and a meaningful message for the graduates’ future, adding significance to the occasion.
□ Since its establishment, DGIST has produced approximately 3,100 graduates through its innovative interdisciplinary education and research-oriented talent development system. These graduates are emerging as leaders in science and technology across diverse fields, including academia, research institutes, and industry, in Korea and abroad.
