Engineering professor becomes new president of Korea University

By Kim Jae-heun

Chung Jin-taek

Korea University has appointed Chung Jin-taek, a mechanical engineering professor, as its new president.

It is the first time the school has picked its head from the college of engineering.

On Thursday, the school held a board meeting, where directors unanimously selected Chung as its 20th president, based on his interview and other evaluations.

The appointment came one week after the commission of recommendation finalized three candidates for the job. They were emeritus professor Cho Kwang-sik, business school dean Lee Doo-hee and Chung.

Chung's four-year term is scheduled to begin on March 1, 2019.

“It is my great honor that I have become the first president from an engineering college in the 133-year history of the school. At the same time, I feel a big sense of responsibility with this job,” Chung said.

“I will try my best to make Korea University a school that can change the world by fostering creative talented students.”

Chung graduated from Korea University's mechanical engineering school in 1983 and earned a Master's degree at the same school. He obtained his doctorate at the University of Minnesota in the United States.

Chung returned to his alma mater to teach students in 1993 and previously served in various posts, including the head of Office of External Affairs and deans of mechanical engineering undergraduate and graduate schools.

He also served as the president of Korean Society for Fluid Machinery and policy adviser at the Ministry of Unification.

Chung pledged to expand the dormitories for undergraduate and graduate schools and provide support for club activities.