Kwangwoon Alumnus Dr. Kyung-Hoon Bae (Class of 2001) Joins the Top National Leadership

- A Kwangwoon-trained AI expert now stands at the center of Korea’s technology leadership -​

September 30, 2025. Dr. Kyung-Hoon Bae, an alumnus of Kwangwoon University’s Department of Electronic Physics, has assumed the role of Deputy Prime Minister following revisions to the Government Organization Act. Previously appointed Minister of Science and ICT in July under the Lee Jae-myung administration, he now becomes the inaugural Minister and Deputy Prime Minister for Science and ICT, overseeing national science, technology, and artificial intelligence policy.

With the elevation of the Ministry of Science and ICT to a deputy prime minister–level office, the ministry is expected to function as a central control tower for cross-ministerial coordination of science and AI initiatives. As Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Bae has been granted authority to guide and align central administrative agencies, placing him at the core of Korea’s national AI strategy.

Dr. Bae is widely recognized as one of Korea’s leading experts in artificial intelligence. He led the development of the super-scale AI model EXAONE and served as the founding head of LG AI Research, where he contributed significantly to strengthening the global competitiveness of Korea’s AI industry. His career spans research, industry, and policy, symbolizing the government’s commitment to an AI-driven national agenda.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in Electronic Physics and both his master’s and doctoral degrees in Electronic Engineering at Kwangwoon University. He later completed an MBA at Columbia Southern University in the United States. His professional background includes research and development roles at Samsung Thales and SK Telecom’s Future Technology Institute, followed by key positions within the LG Group beginning in 2016.

In 2020, Dr. Bae became the first head of LG AI Research, overseeing the development of EXAONE versions 1.0 through 3.5, expanding global partnerships, and enhancing collaboration with domestic industries. His contributions were recognized with the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit.

He currently serves as a full member of the National Academy of Engineering of Korea, a civilian member of the Presidential National AI Committee, and Chair of AI Policy Cooperation at the Korea Software Industry Association.

Deputy Prime Minister Bae stated, “This organizational reform is not merely a structural change in government—it is a catalyst for national transformation driven by science, technology, and AI. As Deputy Prime Minister, I am committed to building an AI-enabled society where all citizens benefit from innovation and ensuring that Korea establishes itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence.”