Lee Seung-gi delivers development fund to KAIST

연합뉴스 / 2023-02-03 16:43:43

▲ This photo, provided by KAIST, shows Lee Seung-gi and the chancellor of KAIST at the fund delivery ceremony. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Feb. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korean singer and actor Lee Seung-gi donated 300 million won in development funds to Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) as scheduled on Friday.

KASIT held the delivery ceremony at the Seoul Dogok Campus of KAIST, attended by Lee, his agency officials, and chancellor Lee Kwang-hyung of KAIST.

Lee said, “It is an honor to donate to such a valuable institute that fosters talent for the next generation,” adding, “I am making my donation to KAIST in hope that Korea would be a nation that offers even more sophisticated education that is deep and rich in its quality.”

The singer and actor reportedly contacted the chancellor late last year and expressed his intention to donate a development fund. The Institute, which is one of the nation’s most prestigious universities, will be using the donated fund for the construction of its forthcoming New York campus.

Following the announcement of the New York campus in 2021, KAIST signed a cooperation agreement with New York University and New York City last year.

The plan to create a collaborative venue for KAIST and NYU has been underway, and more than 60 faculty members are planning to participate in joint research projects in seven fields, including robotics, artificial intelligence (A.I.) brain science, and climate change.

“Lee Seung-gi’s donation will serve as an all-powerful catalyst for KAIST to grow into a global university,” Chancellor Lee said. “We will try to assist the talented Koreans to enter the international stage by doing what it takes.”

The 36-year-old singer and actor said, “I believe science is a quintessential aspect of the current era’s innovation, and KAIST has been taking the lead in this era where scientific advancements are no longer an option,” adding, “I not only wanted to consider and help the disadvantaged but also be a part of this journey towards making the development of science technology.”

The Chancellor also asked if Lee would willingly be the ambassador for KAIST’s upcoming New York campus during the delivery ceremony. Lee accepted his offer on the spot, saying, “I hope I may be the pioneer in this journey and many would join me. When the campus completes its construction in New York, I will definitely make a visit.”

The singer, actor, and television presenter has numerous hit songs and also appeared in multiple drama series, including “Vagabond,” “Mouse,” and “A Korean Odyssey.”

(This article is translated from Korean to English by Ha eun Lee)

(END)