ソウル大学、KAIST、延世大学など韓国QSトップ10大学の研究室情報です。
Professor Woo Jung Kim's research lab focuses on the intersection of chronic disease progression, mental health, and neurological aging, with a particular emphasis on how systemic and psychological factors influence structural and functional changes in the brain and body. The lab investigates the pathophysiological mechanisms linking conditions such as prediabetes, insomnia, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder to neurodegenerative and psychiatric outcomes. Key research directions include the role of neuroimaging (e.g., structural MRI) in understanding brain changes related to sleep disturbance and mood disorders, especially in vulnerable populations like shift workers and the elderly. The lab also explores modifiable lifestyle and social factors—such as social networks and education—that impact cognitive health and dementia risk in aging populations.
Professor Hak Joong Kim's research lab specializes in natural product biosynthesis, with a focus on complex polyketide-derived macrolides such as spinosyn A and siderophores like acinetobactin from pathogenic bacteria. The lab integrates chemical synthesis, enzymology, and molecular biology to unravel the intricate biosynthetic pathways and post-PKS modifications that generate structural diversity in these bioactive compounds. A key emphasis is placed on understanding the enzymatic mechanisms underlying glycosylation, methylation, and cyclization reactions, as well as the role of these molecules in microbial virulence and pathogenesis. The lab also explores innovative therapeutic strategies, including targeted protein degradation, to address challenges in drug discovery and antibiotic resistance.
Professor Dong Gu Choi's research lab specializes in energy systems modeling, sustainability assessment, and decision-making under uncertainty, with a strong focus on integrating stochastic optimization and multi-criteria analysis into energy policy and infrastructure planning. The lab investigates the economic, environmental, and operational dimensions of energy transitions, particularly in electricity systems and transportation, using advanced modeling techniques such as Markov decision processes, discrete-time Markov chains, and system optimization across multiple time scales. Key research directions include energy storage valuation, electric vehicle integration, time-of-use tariff design, and wind power grid integration. The lab’s work bridges theoretical modeling with real-world applications to support sustainable and efficient energy system development.
Professor Young-Jun Kim's research lab specializes in advanced materials development for sustainable energy and biomedical applications. The lab focuses on biomass-based polymers for eco-friendly materials, next-generation energy storage systems such as sodium-ion and dual-ion batteries, and bio-integrated electronic devices with a focus on implantable, battery-free neurostimulators. Key research directions include reactive compatibilization of biopolymers, nanocomposite design for enhanced electrochemical performance, and the development of safe, efficient, and biocompatible energy systems for medical and environmental applications.
Professor Se Eun Park's research lab focuses on identifying novel biomarkers and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications. The lab investigates adipokines, myokines, hepatokines, and urinary biomarkers such as ACE2 and RBP4 to understand their roles in insulin resistance, metabolic dysregulation, and early diabetic kidney disease. A key research direction involves exploring autonomic nervous system dysfunction, particularly heart rate variability, as a predictive indicator of incident diabetes. The lab integrates clinical and translational research to support early diagnosis and personalized intervention strategies.
Professor Jae-Hong Ryoo's research lab specializes in metabolic and cardiovascular epidemiology, focusing on the interplay between metabolic disorders and chronic diseases. The lab investigates the predictive roles of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), serum uric acid levels, and metabolic syndrome in the development of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and pancreatic cancer. Using large-scale prospective cohort studies in Korean populations, the lab aims to identify early biomarkers and risk factors for chronic disease progression.
Professor Min Kyung Shin's research lab specializes in innovative, non-invasive dermatological therapies focusing on skin rejuvenation and regeneration. The lab investigates the synergistic effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combined with fractional laser, ultrasound, and radiofrequency technologies to enhance collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and treat conditions such as striae distensae and infraorbital laxity. A key focus is on optimizing delivery methods—like ultrasound-mediated transepidermal delivery and plasma fractional radiofrequency—for improved therapeutic outcomes. The lab also explores novel molecular scaffolds, such as cyclic peptoids, for potential applications in dermatological drug delivery and protein targeting.
Professor Arun Anand Prabu's research lab specializes in the development of advanced functional materials for sustainable energy and environmental applications. The lab focuses on designing and engineering nanomaterials—particularly hyperbranched polymers, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), and surface-modified nanoparticles—for energy harvesting, sensing, and biodegradable polymer reinforcement. Key research directions include silane-based surface modification of nanomaterials to enhance dispersion and performance, and the integration of metal oxide nanoparticles (e.g., CuO, ZnO) into polymer matrices to improve mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. The lab also emphasizes green and scalable fabrication techniques for next-generation eco-friendly devices and materials.
Professor Young Namkung's research lab specializes in consumer behavior and service management within the hospitality and restaurant industries, with a strong focus on food quality, service fairness, customer satisfaction, and sustainable practices. The lab investigates how perceived quality attributes, emotional responses, and green initiatives influence customer loyalty and behavioral intentions. It also explores the role of digital marketing, particularly Instagram, in shaping brand equity and consumer engagement in the foodservice sector. The research integrates quantitative methods such as structural equation modeling, logistic regression, and multistage service failure analysis to provide actionable insights for restaurant managers and marketers.
Professor Byoung Sik Kim's research lab focuses on understanding the pathogenesis and virulence mechanisms of pathogenic *Vibrio* species, particularly *V. vulnificus* and *V. parahaemolyticus*, with an emphasis on bacterial virulence factors, toxin delivery systems, and host-pathogen interactions. The lab investigates key virulence determinants such as MARTX toxins, phospholipases, and quorum sensing systems, aiming to develop novel biocontrol strategies and therapeutic interventions. A central theme is the identification and characterization of novel antimicrobial agents, including bacteriophages and quorum-sensing inhibitors, to combat antibiotic-resistant and foodborne *Vibrio* pathogens in aquaculture and clinical settings.
Professor Jung Mi Oh's research lab specializes in clinical pharmacology and patient-centered medication management, with a focus on optimizing drug therapy in vulnerable populations such as transplant recipients and patients with chronic diseases. The lab investigates pharmacogenomics, particularly CYP3A5 and CYP3A4 polymorphisms, to personalize immunosuppressive therapy and improve outcomes in kidney transplant patients. It also explores drug-related problems, anemia in inflammatory conditions, and supportive care interventions like rhEGF for chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis. The lab emphasizes multidisciplinary, patient-centered care models using service design and implementation science to enhance medication safety and quality of life.
Professor Keon Wook Kang's research lab focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying cellular defense against oxidative stress, metabolic liver diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cancer chemoprevention. The lab investigates key transcription factors like Nrf2 and GPR119 in regulating antioxidant and lipogenic pathways, with an emphasis on identifying therapeutic targets for metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. Current research also explores the role of signaling molecules such as GSK-3β and resveratrol in vascular remodeling and cancer progression.
Professor Cheol-Ho Lee's research lab specializes in the seismic behavior, structural performance, and advanced design of steel moment connections and high-strength steel structures. The lab focuses on innovative connection details such as reduced beam sections, rib-reinforced connections, and straight haunches, with an emphasis on energy dissipation, ductility, and reliability under extreme loading. Using experimental testing, finite-element analysis, and simplified design models, the lab develops practical, code-compliant solutions for seismic-resistant and progressive collapse-resistant steel frames.
Professor Byung Yoon Choi's research lab specializes in molecular genetics and auditory neuroscience, focusing on the genetic basis of hearing loss, particularly syndromic and nonsyndromic hearing impairment associated with mutations in genes such as SLC26A4 and GJB2. The lab investigates the functional impact of disease-causing variants, including residual protein activity in pendrin and the pathogenicity of GJB2 p.V37I, using cellular, animal, and clinical models. A key focus is translating genetic findings into clinical applications, such as noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for hereditary deafness and personalized cochlear implant timing based on genetic diagnosis. The lab also explores genotype-phenotype correlations to improve outcomes in pediatric cochlear implantation.
Professor Jong-Hak Woo's research lab specializes in active galactic nuclei (AGN) physics, with a focus on the kinematics and dynamics of ionized gas outflows, black hole mass estimation, and the interplay between AGN feedback and host galaxy evolution. The lab employs advanced spectroscopic analysis—particularly of emission lines like [O iii] and CIV—combined with multi-wavelength data and 3D modeling to probe the physical conditions in AGN environments. Key research directions include calibrating black hole mass estimators using reverberation mapping and high-resolution spectroscopy, understanding the origin of non-gravitational gas motions in AGNs, and investigating the role of dust extinction and geometry in shaping observed kinematics. The lab also explores the connection between AGN activity, star formation, and galaxy potential using large-scale surveys such as the Sloan Digital Sky Survey.
Professor Mi-Ock Lee's research lab focuses on nuclear receptor biology and its role in metabolic and inflammatory diseases, particularly in the liver and breast cancer. The lab investigates transcriptional regulators such as RORα and LXR, exploring their functions in macrophage polarization, hepatic lipid metabolism, and cancer progression. A central theme is the identification of endogenous ligands—like maresin 1—that modulate nuclear receptor activity to resolve inflammation and prevent metabolic disorders such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The lab also examines epigenetic and post-translational mechanisms, including HDAC interactions and autophagy regulation, to understand resistance in cancer therapy.
Professor Bumseok Jeong's research lab specializes in computational psychiatry and neuroimaging, focusing on the neural mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, and internet gaming disorder. The lab integrates advanced neuroimaging techniques—particularly diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and perfusion MRI—with machine learning and behavioral data to uncover structural and functional brain connectivity abnormalities. A key focus is developing explainable AI models to predict genetic markers (e.g., IDH status in gliomas) and clinical phenotypes, while also exploring digital phenotyping through social media and mobile app usage to detect early signs of mental health conditions. The lab emphasizes translational research, aiming to bridge neurobiological findings with clinical applications for early diagnosis and personalized intervention.
Professor Hyun-Suk Kim's research lab specializes in advanced functional materials and nanostructured devices, with a focus on responsive surfaces, oxide semiconductors for next-generation electronics, and sustainable carbon capture technologies. The lab explores innovative fabrication methods—such as osmotically-driven wrinkling and flow coating—to create hierarchical and patterned nanoarchitectures with applications in tunable optics, high-performance transistors, and flexible optoelectronics. Key research directions include enhancing the stability and performance of amorphous oxide semiconductors, developing environmentally responsive materials for smart devices, and enabling precise control over polymorphous calcium carbonate formation for carbon sequestration. The lab also investigates functional oxide films for integrated photonic and spintronic applications, particularly in magnetically doped oxides with high Faraday rotation and low optical loss.
Professor Heung Dong Kim's research lab specializes in pediatric epilepsy and neurometabolic therapies, with a primary focus on the ketogenic diet (KD) as a treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy in children. The lab investigates dietary interventions such as the MCT-based KD and classic KD, evaluating their efficacy, safety, and suitability across different age groups. Additionally, the lab explores neurorehabilitation strategies, including tongue-to-palate resistance training, for improving oropharyngeal swallowing function in stroke patients with dysphagia. The research integrates clinical trials with mechanistic insights to optimize neurological outcomes in pediatric and adult populations.
Professor Young Jong Kang's research lab specializes in structural engineering with a focus on the stability, buckling behavior, and performance assessment of curved and thin-walled structural systems, particularly circular arches and cable-stayed bridges. The lab conducts theoretical and analytical studies on nonlinear behavior, large displacements, and bifurcation buckling using advanced formulations based on the principle of minimum total potential energy. It also develops innovative monitoring and analysis methodologies, such as SRALMR, to enhance structural health monitoring using limited measurement data. The lab's work bridges fundamental mechanics with practical infrastructure management, especially for aging bridges.
