Kookmin University wins grand prize in industry category at Korea Character Awards 2026
Summary
Kookmin University’s Mr. Doctor mascot won the industry grand prize at the Korea Character Awards 2026, held Tuesday at the Korea Press Center in Seoul. The university said it uses the character to communicate its educational philosophy and brand values through content and community programs. Mr. Doctor represents learning, perseverance and the university community’s entrepreneurial spirit. Kookmin plans to expand the character’s promotional and community engagement roles as it marks its 80th anniversary.
Key Facts
- The Korea Character Awards evaluates characters on creativity, public appeal, commercial potential and practical application.
- A gold-colored sculpture about 3 meters tall was installed at Kookmin University’s main gate in February 2019, and industrial designer Stefano Giovannoni designed it.
- The character’s graduation cap represents learning and achievement, while its minimalist design represents an ordinary person; the name Doctor refers to becoming an expert in one’s field.
- Mini Mr. Doctor was selected by 4,146 student votes in a 2024 student ID card design contest and appeared on the university’s student ID card design in 2025.
- Kookmin University’s 2026 Mr. Doctor Motion Image Contest received 1,462 submissions across four categories: emotional expressions, campus life, seasons and special occasions, and open themes.
Character embodies university's values of challenge, growth
The top photo shows “Mr. Doctor,” the character representing Kookmin University, at the main gate of its Seoul campus. The bottom row shgows the character with, from left, a swim float, a surfboard, a winter scarf and a red cape. Courtesy of Kookmin University
Kookmin University’s character mascot, “Mr. Doctor,” won the grand prize in the industry category at the Korea Character Awards 2026, held Tuesday at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, the university said.
The Korea Character Awards program recognizes outstanding characters developed by local governments, public institutions and companies nationwide, evaluating them on creativity, public appeal, commercial potential and practical application.
The university said it has consistently communicated its educational philosophy and brand values through Mr. Doctor while expanding the character’s use with diverse content and community engagement programs.
Mr. Doctor embodies the journey of an ordinary person who becomes a leading expert in their field through learning and perseverance. It also symbolizes the university community’s entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to take on new challenges.
The character originated from a gold-colored sculpture approximately 3 meters tall installed at the university’s main gate in February 2019. It was designed by Stefano Giovannoni, a world-renowned industrial designer and distinguished professor at the university.
The character’s graduation cap symbolizes the culmination of learning and achievement, while its minimalist design represents an ordinary person — someone who could be anyone.
The name “Doctor” conveys the idea of becoming an expert in one’s field, while the gold color symbolizes achievements attained through challenge and perseverance, according to the university.
Mr. Doctor has become a prominent landmark at the university’s main gate and a symbol of major campus events, including entrance ceremonies, graduation ceremonies and festivals.
The character has also added a playful touch to campus life with seasonal and event-themed accessories and costumes, ranging from sunglasses and surfboards to winter outfits.
Rha Chang-soon, right, executive vice president of Kookmin University, poses with Kim Young-soo, chief executive officer of Digital Chosun, during the Korea Character Awards 2026 at the Korea Press Center in Seoul on Tuesday. Kookmin University won the grand prize in the industry category. Courtesy of Kookmin University
Through Mr. Doctor, the university has cultivated an image that is both free-spirited and approachable among students, local residents and visitors.
Mr. Doctor has also been featured in a variety of merchandise, including graduation dolls dressed in academic regalia, key rings, T-shirts and hats, as well as on the university’s official website, social media channels and online advertisements.
The university also runs programs that invite students, faculty and staff to participate directly in the character’s development.
In a 2024 student ID card design contest, “Mini Mr. Doctor” was selected by a vote of 4,146 students and incorporated into the university’s student ID card design in 2025.
In 2026, the university held the Mr. Doctor Motion Image Contest, which attracted 1,462 submissions across four categories: emotional expressions, campus life, seasons and special occasions, and open themes.
Building on the award, Kookmin University plans to continue to broaden its use of the character in promotional content and community engagement programs.
As the university celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, it also aims to promote the values of challenge and growth and further develop Mr. Doctor into a signature character that grows alongside the university community.
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