Professor Kyu-young Hwang of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), who contributed to the development of the domestic IT software industry through innovative theories and practical technologies for databases, and Deputy Research Director Sang-yeop Lee of KAIST, who founded systems metabolic engineering to contribute to the development of the eco-friendly chemical industry, received the Science and Technology Creation Award.
The Ministry of Science and ICT, the Korea Communications Commission, the Korean Information and Broadcasting Communications Union, and the Korea Science and Technology Organizations Federation held a ceremony on the afternoon of the 21st at the Korea Science and Technology Center to commemorate the 2025 Day of Science and Technology and Information and Communication. This ceremony was held to enhance pride among those recognized in the fields of science, technology, and information and communication through government awards to meritorious individuals on Science Day on April 21 and Information and Communication Day on April 22.
At this year's event, awards were presented to 139 attendees among a total of 157 awardees recognized for contributions to the promotion of science, technology, and information and communication, as well as for achievements in national research and development evaluations. In the science promotion sector, government awards were given to a total of 84 individuals: 26 medals, 11 decorations, 20 presidential citations, and 27 prime ministerial citations.
Professor Kyu-young Hwang and Deputy Research Director Sang-yeop Lee of KAIST received the Science and Technology Creation Award. Among those who received awards in the field of science and technology promotion, a total of 11 individuals were recognized, including Professor Hyun-kyu Song of Korea University for his dedication to research and education in structural biology that clarifies protein structures, and Master Young-wook Kim of Samsung SDI for developing a secondary battery capable of 700 km driving and 9-minute fast charging by creating a silicon-carbon nano composite anode.
In the national research and development performance evaluation sector, a total of 21 people received government awards: 2 medals, 5 decorations, 6 presidential citations, and 8 prime ministerial citations.
The Science and Technology Medal for Achievement was awarded to Research Director Yang-soo Kim of the Korea Basic Science Institute, who successfully developed and commercialized the world's first anode raw material 'K-LTO' for secondary batteries, and the Leap Medal was awarded to Chief Researcher Chae-deok Lim of the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute for developing the world's first DNA+drone platform based on 5G for real-time disaster response.
The Science and Technology Medal is awarded to individuals whose contributions to the advancement of science and technology are notable, and it is divided into five grades: 1st grade Creation Medal, 2nd grade Innovation Medal, 3rd grade Achievement Medal, 4th grade Leap Medal, and 5th grade Progress Medal.
In the information and communication sector, a total of 52 individuals (including five organizations) received government awards: 5 medals, 6 decorations, 18 presidential citations, and 23 prime ministerial citations. The Golden Medal of Achievement was awarded to Professor Chul-sung Hwang of Seoul National University, a world-renowned expert in the semiconductor field, which is the foundation of ICT, while the Silver Tower Industrial Medal was awarded to Vice President Seung-yong Dong of SK hynix, among others, for establishing a world-class artificial intelligence (AI)-DT integrated smart factory system.
The Government Medal is awarded to individuals in public service and private school educators who have shown significant merit in their duties, and it is divided into five grades: 1st grade Blue Medal, 2nd grade Golden Medal, 3rd grade Red Medal, 4th grade Green Medal, and 5th grade Jade Medal.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said, "I extend my infinite gratitude and respect to the scientists and ICT professionals who have led Korea's remarkable leap forward," adding, "The public and the government will never forget your passion and efforts."
He also noted, "The government has organized a total of 1.8 trillion won in the recent 'supplementary budget' for the AI sector" and added, "We will continue to provide strong support so that creativity, innovation, and a spirit of challenge can flourish freely."