Professors Sang-Mo Koo (Department of Electronic Materials Engineering) and Jin-Ho Jeon (School of International Studies) Concurrently Honored with the 'Presidential Citation'
- Kwangwoon Univ. Claims 2 out of 11 Nationwide University Awardees
in the Ministry of Education’s Teacher’s Day Government Awards -
- Recognition in Next-Generation Power Semiconductors & Nuclear Energy Highlights Research and Educational Competitiveness in Advanced Energy Fields -
(Left)Professors Sang-Mo Koo (Department of Electronic Materials Engineering), (Right) Jin-Ho Jeon (Department of International Studies)
Professors Sang-Mo Koo (Department of Electronic Materials Engineering) and Jin-Ho Jeon (School of International Studies) at Kwangwoon University (President Do-Young Yoon) received the Presidential Citation at the 2026 Teacher’s Day Government Awards hosted by the Ministry of Education. This dual honor demonstrates Kwangwoon University’s outstanding research and educational capabilities, spanning from next-generation power semiconductors to international politics and energy diplomacy.
The Presidential Citation is a highly prestigious government award presented to only 11 university faculty members nationwide this year. Having two awardees selected simultaneously from a single institution is regarded as an exceptional milestone. This achievement carries significant weight as it nationally recognizes Kwangwoon University’s contributions to research and talent cultivation in "Advanced Energy," a key pillar of South Korea's future industries.
Celebrating his 20th anniversary at Kwangwoon University this year, Professor Sang-Mo Koo of the Department of Electronic Materials Engineering is widely recognized as one of Korea's leading scholars in next-generation compound power semiconductors. Power semiconductors are critical components determining energy efficiency in future industries, such as electric vehicles (EVs), AI data centers, renewable energy, and future mobility—emerging as a central battleground for global technological competition.
National Roles: Professor Koo currently serves as the Director of the Next-Generation Power Semiconductor Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) and Head of the Wide Bandgap Semiconductor Research Center at Kwangwoon University, shaping national technological strategies and industrial ecosystems.
Academic Leadership: He serves as the President of the Institution of Korean Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IKEEE) and Vice President of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers (KIEEME), bridging academia and industry.
Talent Cultivation: The ‘Semiconductor and Nanodevice Laboratory’ and the ‘Wide Bandgap Semiconductor Research Center’ led by Professor Koo have become pivotal hubs for semiconductor education, producing numerous experts for universities, research institutes, and corporations both domestically and internationally.
Professor Sang-Mo Koo’s Acceptance Speech:
"I believe the essence of research and education always lies in people. It is deeply meaningful and humbling to be recognized for the time I’ve spent learning and growing alongside my students to shape the future of technology."
Professor Jin-Ho Jeon of the School of International Studies is an expert in international politics and nuclear negotiations. He has consistently contributed to research and policy advisory regarding the ROK-U.S. Civil Nuclear Agreement and global energy security strategies. This award recognizes his contributions to establishing national energy sovereignty and nuclear diplomacy strategies amid rapidly changing international orders.
Educational Excellence: Professor Jeon has dedicated himself to education and research focused on Japanese politics, diplomacy, and East Asian international relations. Known for his structured curriculum and meticulous lecture preparation, he has consistently received high evaluations from students, earning the prestigious Best Teacher Award.
Public and Academic Service: He has fulfilled key social responsibilities, serving as a Korean committee member for the New Korea-Japan Committee for the 21st Century and as the President of the Korean Association for Contemporary Japanese Studies, a leading academic society in Korea.
Professor Jin-Ho Jeon’s Acceptance Speech:
"I have always tried to stay true to my roots, focusing on the fundamental duties of a researcher and educator. As I approach retirement, I am deeply honored and delighted to have my lifelong contributions officially recognized by the government."
