Kookmin University (President Jeong Seung Ryul) and its Alumni Association (President Kim Hyung Nam) have decided to award the 2026 ‘Proud Kookmin Person Award’ to two individuals: Lee Seok Hwan, President of the Korean Association of Policy Studies (Professor, Department of Public Administration, Kookmin University), and Lee Hyun Jae, Chairman of Dong Ah Trade Corp.

From left: Lee Seok-hwan, President of the Korean Association of Policy Studies; Lee Hyun-jae, Chairman of Dong Ah Trade Corp

Lee Seok Hwan, President of the Korean Association of Policy Studies, was recognized for his contributions to the development of his alma mater, having served as its Vice President for Academic Affairs. Furthermore, as the current President of the Korean Association of Policy Studies, he has actively pursued scholarly activities, advancing the field of public administration and enhancing the academic standing of his alma mater.

Lee Hyun Jae (Graduate School of Business Administration), Chairman of Dong Ah Trade Corp, has contributed to national economic development by exporting semiconductor-related equipment while leading the venture company Dong Ah Trade Corp. Currently serving as President of the Graduate School of Business Administration Alumni Association, he has been highly praised for significantly contributing to alumni unity and the university's development, including donating semiconductor research equipment worth hundreds of millions of won to his alma mater.

The ‘Proud National Alumni Award’, honoring outstanding alumni professors and staff, was awarded to Kim Do Myeong (Fine Arts '98), who serves as the university's Chief Photographer and as a photographer, documenting the school's history. Furthermore, the ‘Yongduri Award’, presented to alumni who have elevated the university's development and alumni pride, was jointly awarded to Koo Yong Seo (Business Administration '22), CEO of Yonghyun Industry Co., Ltd., and Yoo Oh Hyung (Physical Education '76), Standing Advisory Committee Member of the General Alumni Association (former Principal of Sangam Middle School).

The ‘Encouragement Award’, given to Kookmin University professors from other institutions who have contributed to nurturing future generations through passionate academic research and teaching, was awarded to Professor Lee Geun Ho of the Automobile and IT Convergence Engineering Major at the Graduate School of Automobile and Mobility and Professor Lee Sang Ho of the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

The awards ceremony will take place at the 2026 Kookmin University Alumni Association New Year's Greeting Ceremony, held at the Olympia Hall of the Seoul Olympic Parktel on Thursday, January 8, at 6:30 PM.

Now in its 35th year, the ‘Proud Kookmin Person Award’ is presented annually to Kookmin University alumni who have achieved outstanding accomplishments in government, academia, business, and the arts, thereby enhancing the prestige and honor of their alma mater.

Since its inception in 1986, the award has honored distinguished alumni including former Prime Minister Nam Duck Woo, former National Assembly member Jang Young Dal, former Amorepacific Group CEO Bae Dong Hyun, former JTBC CEO Sohn Suk Hee, former OBS CEO Yoon Jung Sik, and current National Assembly member Yoon Kun Young. It has established itself as the most prestigious and honorable award presented by the Kookmin University Alumni Association.