Han Mun-hee (91), who served as the first and second president of the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), died on the 30th.
The late Han Mun-hee is regarded as a pioneer who laid the cornerstone of biotechnology research in Korea and built the foundation for the country's rise as a bio powerhouse. In particular, as the first director of the Genetic Engineering Center, the predecessor of KRIBB, Han devoted efforts to building research infrastructure and establishing systems.
At a time when biotechnology was still nearly barren in Korea, Han, with exceptional foresight, recognized early the industrial potential of life sciences. After returning to Korea in 1974 as a recruited scientist at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Han set up the Applied Biochemistry Laboratory and began full-fledged research into the industrial applications of life sciences. Building on accumulated research results, Han went on to spearhead the establishment of the "biotechnology research division" within KIST in 1979.
Han also played a central role in laying the foundation for biotechnology promotion at the national level. In 1983, Han led the enactment of the Genetic Engineering Promotion Act, establishing the institutional basis for the development of biotechnology in Korea, and in 1985 launched the Genetic Engineering Center, creating the starting point of the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) as it is today. Han then supported the global leap of Korea's biotechnology by securing core technologies, fostering specialists, and expanding international cooperation.
Han served as head of the Doping Control Center during the 1988 Seoul Olympics, leading to its recognition as the world's 15th internationally accredited center and contributing to the successful conduct of Olympic drug testing.
The mourning hall has been set up in Room 31 on the third floor of the funeral home at Asan Medical Center in Seoul, and the funeral procession is on Apr. 2. The burial site is 438-2, Jangdeok-ri, Namyang-eup, Hwaseong, Gyeonggi.