The Ministry of Science and ICT said it held a ceremony for "Technology Developers' Day 2026" on the 7th at Fairmont Ambassador Seoul and honored researchers and corporations that contributed to research and development and technological innovation in industry.
Attendees at the ceremony included Prime Minister Han Seong-sook; Song Ki-heon, chair of the National Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee; Rep. Choi Hyeong-du; Vice Minister Gu Hyeok-chae of the Ministry of Science and ICT; and Koo Ja-Kyun, head of the Korea Industrial Technology Association, along with representatives from industry, academia and research.
Technology Developers' Day was designated a statutory national anniversary for the first time this year. The aim is to highlight the role of dedicated research staff handling research and development duties at in-house research institutes of corporations and to raise the research motivation of corporate researchers.
According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, as of 2024 there are about 450,000 dedicated research personnel at in-house research institutes of corporations, exceeding 70% of the 610,000 researchers nationwide. The in-house research institute certification system was introduced in 1981, and as of June this year, about 70,000 in-house research institutes and departments dedicated to research and development are in operation.
At the event, 55 government awards for Technology Developers' Day and 35 Deputy Prime Minister commendations were presented, along with 11 Outstanding Researcher Awards in the name of the head of the Korea Industrial Technology Association.
The Innovation Medal of the Order of Science and Technology Merit went to Lee Jin-yeop, a vice president at Samsung Electronics. Lee was recognized for contributing to enhanced competitiveness in memory technology by participating in the mass production of 1Gb NAND flash memory and the development of V-NAND.
The Ungbi Medal of the Order of Science and Technology Merit went to Song Geun-seok, a vice president at HK inno.N, and Jang Ji-eun, a vice president at SK hynix. Song led the development of a new drug that improved the dosage and efficacy limitations of existing gastrointestinal disease treatments, while Jang led the development of high-capacity, low-power memory used in artificial intelligence (AI) servers and mobile devices.
Recipients of the Science and Technology Medal were Go Gi-ok, Head of Team at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI); Ryu Jin-ho, a research fellow at POSCO; Park Woo-jin, head of the research group at LS Electric; and Lee Ho-gi, head of center at Samsung Heavy Industries. They were recognized respectively for achievements in fighter flight control, decarbonization technology in steel, direct-current power equipment, and eco-friendly ship technology.
Presidential commendations went to 13 individuals and seven corporations, and prime ministerial commendations went to 20 individuals and eight corporations. Deputy prime minister commendations, awarded to researchers and corporations that contributed to innovation in corporate research and development and the creation of a technology ecosystem, went to 25 individuals and 10 organizations. Eleven researchers at in-house research institutes of corporations, evaluated as next-generation research and development talent while carrying out research and development projects, received Outstanding Researcher Awards.