Lee Gi-yang, a senior researcher at Hyundai Mobis, and Park Chang-min, Director General of Korea Cosmetic Manufacturing, were selected as winners of the 2025 Korea Engineer Award. The 'Korea Engineer Award' is presented monthly by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Industrial Technology Association to one engineer from large corporations and one from small to medium-sized enterprises in order to encourage technological innovation in the industrial field and create an environment that values engineers. The awardees receive a certificate from the Minister and a cash prize of 5 million won.
Lee Gi-yang was recognized for securing the competitiveness of electrification materials and components through the development and practical application of world-class magnetic materials, and for applying this to hybrid and electric vehicles to contribute to the advancement of the domestic automotive industry. Magnetic materials are ferromagnetic materials whose magnetic properties easily change due to external magnetic fields, essential for automotive component materials.
Lee Gi-yang noted, "Based on the research capabilities accumulated over a long period in the field of automotive component material development, I will continue to strive for global technological competitiveness in electrification materials and components."
Park Chang-min developed new functional cosmetic materials based on the enhancement of the efficacy of indigenous plants domestically and internationally by applying biomaterial conversion technology. He was recognized for strengthening the competitiveness of the domestic cosmetics industry.
Using environmentally friendly processes based on biomaterial conversion technology and tissue culture techniques, Park maximized the skin physiological activity of plants, developing high-functioning cosmetic new materials that differ from existing materials. Various skin benefits, such as whitening and wrinkle improvement, have been scientifically verified, leading to the development of related products.
Park Chang-min stated, "Based on the results of years of cosmetic material research and development, I will spare no efforts in discovering new materials that attract attention in the international cosmetics market and developing formulations through the integration of new technologies, while also contributing to the development of the Korean cosmetics industry."