Lee Gyu-lee is a business writer at The Korea Times, focusing primarily on IT & telecommunications, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and KOTRA. Prior to this, she has covered a wide range of cultural news, from film, television and K-pop to lifestyle and fashion.
Asan Institute chair awarded honorary doctorate from Korea University
Asan Foundation Chairman Chung Mong-joon, third from left, poses after receiving an honorary doctorate in political science from Korea University during a ceremony at the university’s Seoul campus, Monday. From left are Korea University Alumni Association President and Korea Times Chairman Seung Myung-ho, Korea University President Kim Dong-one, Chung and Dean of Korea University Graduate School Song Jin-won. Courtesy of Korea University.
By Lee Gyu-lee
Korea University has awarded an honorary doctorate in political science to Chung Mong-joon, founder and honorary chairman of the Asan Institute for Policy Studies.
The university held a ceremony Monday at its Seoul campus to award the degree in recognition of Chung's contributions to social welfare and his efforts to support younger generations through the Asan Foundation and the Asan Nanum Foundation. The honorary doctorate also acknowledges Chung’s dedication to advancing political, diplomatic and national security affairs during his seven terms as a lawmaker.
"Chairman Chung has shed light on Korea’s future in various fields including politics and diplomacy," Korea University President Kim Dong-one said.
“His life and footsteps embody leadership with values of intellectualism and public service, which deeply align with Korea University's vision to contribute to the future of humanity. The chairman's future endeavors will continue to lead positive changes for our society and the world."
Chung studied economics at Seoul National University as an undergraduate and earned a Master of Business Administration at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He received a Ph.D. in International Politics from Johns Hopkins University. Following his education, he has been involved in various fields across academia, business and politics, with a long list of distinguished accomplishments both locally and internationally.
He served as a member of the National Assembly from 1988 through 2014, leading legislative work in diplomacy, security, unification and welfare.
The chairman also served as the vice president of FIFA and the head of the World Cup organizing committee, successfully co-hosting the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Japan.
With the philanthropic Asan Foundation, he has pursued various welfare projects for underprivileged people. He also established the Asan Nanum Foundation to support youth entrepreneurs to help offer them a social foundation for a sustainable future.
Chung shares deep ties with Korea University, serving as the school foundation’s board member in 1999. He has since contributed to the school through scholarship donations and involvement in its soccer team.
"Korea University has inspired our country's spirit of independence and has been at the forefront of its democracy and industrialization since liberation," he said as he accepted the degree.
"I am honored and pleased to receive this honorary doctorate in this meaningful year marking the university's 120th anniversary. I will strive to contribute to our country's development together with the proud members of Korea University."