Kim Se-yong, Chairman of the Hongneung Forum and a professor at Korea University, has outlined his vision to develop Hongneung as a leading hub for bio and advanced industries in 21st-century South Korea.
Kim, who is also a candidate for the 22nd president of Korea University, emphasized the importance of building a cooperative ecosystem between the Hongneung Forum and the university, while actively pursuing financial expansion and educational innovation tailored to the AI era.
On November 10, Kim described the Hongneung Forum, which began in 2012 as a gathering of heads of national research institutions, stating, "Currently, about 20 institutions participate, holding large conferences twice a year to discuss development plans for the Hongneung area, and it has grown into a knowledge exchange meeting with over 6,000 PhDs involved."
He identified the revitalization of the 'Hongneung Regeneration Plan,' established during his tenure as president of the Seoul Housing and Urban Development Corporation (SH), as his top priority. He stated, "With excellent research infrastructure from KIST, KDI, Kyung Hee University and Korea University hospitals, and the Seoul Biohub, we will lay the groundwork for Hongneung to lead South Korea in the 21st century and achieve results in the bio sector."
To achieve this, he plans to strengthen organic cooperation with the Seoul city government and the central government. Kim noted, "For Hongneung to leap forward, we must first establish a framework through preliminary work by the Seoul city government and changes in urban planning. We will utilize the small but strong special district system designated by the central government to gradually ease regulations and secure additional support, enhancing corporate attraction and density."
As he declared his candidacy for university president, Kim expressed a strong commitment to creating synergy between the university and Hongneung. He referenced the Campus Town project previously pursued by Korea University, which established a growth path for tech startups to scale up through Hongneung, saying, "If elected as president, I can complete the triangular alliance connecting Korea University, KIST, and Kyung Hee University." He added, "Hongneung has potential comparable to Kendall Square in front of MIT in the United States, and as president, I will accelerate the creation of this synergy."
Kim also presented his vision for improving university operations and educational structures. He remarked, "In the AI era, universities must change to survive. If I become president, I will establish the 'AI Civilization Center' to redefine everything from student selection methods to curriculum and teaching methods as quickly as possible."
He stressed the importance of financial independence for sustainable growth at the university. He stated, "Financial resources are essential for training talent in the AI era, but currently, Korea University has nearly zero business revenue. We will maximize business profits and expand research funding by utilizing our resources and real estate, similar to prestigious overseas universities."
Drawing on his experience leading profitable management during his tenure at SH and GH (Gyeonggi Housing and Urban Corporation), he promised, "Creating a surplus and expanding finances is a leader's duty, and through this, I will support the highest level of treatment and research and educational environments for university members."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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