South Korean singer Kwon Ji-yong, G-Dragon, has been appointed a professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).
KAIST announced on Jun. 5 during the ‘Innovate Korea 2024′ event, held at the KAIST Headquarters Sports Complex in Daejeon, South Korea, that Kwon has been appointed a visiting professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. His appointment will last for two years, until June 2026. During this period, Kwon will also serve as a KAIST Global Ambassador.
“Through this appointment, Kwon will contribute to market innovation through entertainment technology R&D and the global spread and growth of K-culture,” said an official from Galaxy Corporation, Kwon’s agency.
Entertainment technology refers to the creation of new added value by combining information and communication technology (ICT) with intellectual property rights and content, which are the core aspects of the entertainment industry.
Kwon will deliver a special lecture on leadership to undergraduate and graduate students. “By sharing his experiences and life as a world-class artist, Kwon aims to provide students with vision and insight into the world, as well as the challenge and inspiration to pioneer their respective fields,” a KAIST representative said.
KAIST and Galaxy Corporation will also establish an ‘Entertainment Technology Research Center’ within the Department of Mechanical Engineering. This center, beginning with Kwon’s involvement, will research digital twin technology for Hallyu artists and develop artist avatars using the latest technologies, including AI, robotics, the metaverse, volumetrics, motion capture, and haptics.
“I expect great synergy, or ‘Big Bang,’ between the top science and technology experts and my entertainment expertise,” said Kwon. “With more people working with AI in the music field, these cutting-edge technologies will enable more diverse forms of creative work.”
