"Seeking Answers to the University Crisis in Joseon’s 'Chaekmun'"…
Kwangwoon University’s SOOM Institute and NTU Centre for Transformational Economy Team Up to Shake Up the Future of Education
- Professor Cho Nam-juen of NTU, a top global innovative university, captivated by the unconventional ideas of Director Yu Jun-sang
- Finding clues to the educational hurdles of the 21st-century AI era in 'Chaekmun'—the state reform examination of the Joseon Dynasty
- Joining forces to foster future talents through the convergence of art, science, and space content
In an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced technology threaten the very existence of universities, a world-class innovative university and an inventive Korean research institute have formed an unconventional alliance to solve the future of education. Kwangwoon University’s SOOM Space Art Research Institute (directed by Yu Jun-sang) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore are launching a joint project to nurture convergent talents for future generations.
This agreement stands apart from the typical, superficial Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) often signed between academic institutions. It draws its inspiration for tackling the "AI-era educational crisis"—a dilemma currently baffling global educators—from "Chaekmun (策問)," a deeply rooted Korean historical heritage from the Joseon Dynasty.
At the center of this dramatic collaboration is Professor Cho Nam-juen, a world-renowned scholar, Distinguished Professor, and Director of the Centre for Transformational Economy (also serving as the Associate Vice President for Industry at NTU). In his recent book, The Future of Universities is in Singapore, Professor Cho introduced the front lines of global educational innovation. Yet, he still harbored deep concerns and faced hurdles regarding what true education for humans should look like in the age of AI.
The breakthrough to this massive question, which even global scholars struggled to answer, was provided by Director Yu Jun-sang of Kwangwoon University’s SOOM Space Art Research Institute. Director Yu threw down an unconventional challenge: "Let’s transplant the spirit of 'Chaekmun'—the civil service examination of the Joseon Dynasty where the finest minds of the era debated complex state dilemmas to determine the nation's destiny—into modern future education."
Professor Cho was reportedly struck by inspiration and admiration upon hearing this idea during his discussions with Director Yu.
"We have found the key to resolving the limitations and challenges facing educational institutions worldwide within the Joseon Dynasty history of South Korea," Professor Cho praised during the agreement ceremony. "I was completely captivated by the profound insight and bold attempt." It marks a moment where past philosophy meets future space and science technology to finally unlock the clues to genuine convergence.
Key Areas of the Partnership:
Joint development and global expansion of the "SOOM Space Children & Youth Expedition" educational program, modernizing the spirit of 'Chaekmun'.
△Scientific consultation and educational content development for Sci-Fi-based art-science projects.
△Consultation, media, and exhibition cooperation for field-based educational and cultural projects.
△Hosting joint seminars and workshops.
The exchange between the two institutions is expected to materialize immediately. Director Yu Jun-sang will personally visit NTU in Singapore in the second half of this year to deliver a special lecture to local students. On this global stage, he will officially unveil a blueprint for future-generation convergent education that spans art, science, and space content.
"The more AI replaces knowledge, the more crucial human imagination and convergent thinking to breakthrough complex problems become," said Yu Jun-sang, Director of the SOOM Space Art Research Institute. "Together with NTU, which possesses world-class competitiveness, we will carry out bold projects that connect past wisdom with future civilization."
Professor Cho Nam-juen of NTU also expressed high expectations, stating, "The talents required by future society are not those who memorize knowledge in a specific field, but those who can cross boundaries, practice consilience, and ask the questions that society needs to solve. The encounter between SOOM Institute’s ingenious ideas and NTU’s world-class infrastructure will open up completely new possibilities for future education."
Meanwhile, Director Yu Jun-sang—who has been actively working across various genres as an actor, film director, children's book author, and composer—was recently appointed as the head of Kwangwoon University's SOOM Space Art Research Institute. He is currently leading a unique future education paradigm that blends art, science technology, and space content.
