Nam Hyun-woo has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2013, mostly covering business and politics. He currently belongs to the Business Desk where he covers topics such as emerging tech, AI, ICT and Korea's chaebol community. Prior to joining the team, he was the paper's correspondent for the presidential office of Korea during the Yoon Suk Yeol and Moon Jae-in administrations.
KAIST president receives top honor from French gov’t
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) President Lee Kwang Hyung, right, poses with French Ambassador to Korea Philippe Bertoux, after receiving Officier of the Legion of Honour at the latter's residence in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of KAIST
By Nam Hyun-woo
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) President Lee Kwang Hyung was awarded the Legion of Honour (Legion d’Honneur), a top distinction conferred by the French government, the university said Thursday.
During a ceremony at the French ambassador’s residence in Seoul, Lee was conferred the distinction of Officier of the Legion of Honour in recognition of his academic and scientific achievements and his contributions to advancing the cooperation between Korea and France.
The Legion of Honour is the highest order of merit awarded by the French government, granted to individuals who have contributed to the development of France and the international community in fields such as the military, academia, culture, science and industry. The Officier rank is the fourth out of five classes in the order.
Lee earned his doctoral degree at INSA Lyon in France and has been spearheading bilateral cooperation in research and innovation. He was previously awarded the Chevalier rank of the Legion of Honour in 2003 in recognition of his achievements.
Since taking office as KAIST president in 2021, Lee has strengthened global cooperation by expanding joint projects and academic exchanges with French universities and research institutions, including the Ecole Polytechnique. He is a member of the Korea-France Club.
French Ambassador to Korea Philippe Bertoux said that the honor pays tribute to Lee’s extraordinary academic and scientific achievements while also recognizing his forward-looking vision, demonstrated through efforts to advance bilateral ties and international partnerships.
“It is a great honor to receive France’s highest distinction,” Lee said. “Building on KAIST’s spirit of open science, we will further expand global research collaboration with France and the international community to prepare for the future of humanity.”