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 Jong Seok Song's research lab focuses on ocular surface diseases, particularly dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), with an emphasis on the impact of environmental factors such as air pollution and nanoparticles on ocular health. The lab investigates the toxicological effects of airborne particulate matter—including titanium dioxide and carbon black nanoparticles—on corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells, as well as the immunological and inflammatory responses triggered by these exposures. Additionally, the lab explores clinical interventions, such as eyelid hygiene and intraocular lens design, to improve post-surgical outcomes in cataract patients. Their work bridges clinical ophthalmology with environmental toxicology and biomedical engineering.
Professor Eunsang Kim's research lab specializes in molecular imaging and neurodegenerative disorders, focusing on the development and application of radiotracers for positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The lab investigates neurochemical and metabolic alterations in Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and neuroinflammatory conditions using advanced brain imaging techniques. A key research direction involves the development of novel radiotracers targeting specific biomarkers, such as the translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO), to enable early detection and monitoring of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The lab also explores the neural correlates of personality traits and brain network activity in healthy and clinical populations through metabolic brain imaging.
Professor Jeong Won-ho's research lab specializes in vestibular and auditory system disorders, with a focus on advancing the diagnosis and objective evaluation of inner ear diseases such as Ménière’s disease and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The lab integrates clinical otology with cutting-edge medical imaging and artificial intelligence, developing innovative tools like deep learning-based MRI analysis for endolymphatic hydrops detection. Research also extends to molecular mechanisms of ototoxicity, particularly cisplatin-induced apoptosis in auditory cells, using cellular models to explore protective pathways such as NF-κB signaling. The lab emphasizes translational research that bridges clinical symptoms with objective biomarkers and advanced diagnostic technologies.
Professor Hyun Jung Kim's research lab specializes in vestibular disorders, with a primary focus on the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of balance and dizziness-related conditions such as vestibular neuritis, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), and bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP). The lab employs advanced clinical and neuro-otological assessments—including head impulse testing, caloric testing, and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials—to study the chronology and mechanisms of vestibular recovery. It also explores innovative, patient-centered approaches such as web-based diagnosis and treatment for recurrent BPPV, and investigates the role of vestibular function testing in detecting underlying structural pathologies like cereellopontine angle tumors.
Professor Lee Hyeonju's research lab focuses on molecular and translational biology, with key research directions in proteostasis and neurodegenerative diseases, particularly the role of proteasome activation in aging and protein aggregation. The lab also investigates host immunity and seroepidemiology of viral infections such as hepatitis A and varicella-zoster virus in the Korean population. Additionally, the lab explores psychological and societal dimensions of science communication, especially public perception and trust in nuclear and environmental technologies. These interdisciplinary efforts bridge molecular mechanisms with population health and social psychology.
Professor Min Soo Byun's research lab focuses on the early detection and neurobiological underpinnings of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and psychosis. The lab employs advanced neuroimaging techniques—such as MRI, MRS, PET, and retinal imaging—to investigate structural and functional brain changes in preclinical and prodromal stages. Key research directions include identifying biomarkers for early Alzheimer’s pathology using brain atrophy patterns, amyloid burden, and retinal changes, as well as exploring the role of brain metabolites and personality traits in disease vulnerability. The lab also examines neuroimaging correlates of depression and psychosis risk in ultra-high-risk populations.
Professor Yong Jin Park's research lab focuses on the intersection of digital literacy, privacy, and technology use, particularly in the context of youth and public health technologies. The lab investigates how individual knowledge, socio-demographic factors, and digital experiences shape online privacy behaviors and digital skill disparities. It also explores the structural dynamics of algorithmic surveillance and data ecosystems, emphasizing policy implications and public trust in emerging technologies like contact tracing apps. Additionally, the lab engages in materials science research, particularly on chalcogenide nanomaterials and adsorption processes in porous materials for environmental and energy applications.
Professor Hyeon-sung Cho's research lab specializes in intelligent networking and distributed systems, with a focus on optimizing wireless communication and sensor networks for real-world applications. The lab explores energy-efficient design in wireless sensor networks, IoT integration through scalable and self-configurable gateways, and advanced resource allocation in high-performance computing architectures such as 3D torus interconnects. Recent work also extends into AI-driven solutions for UAV connectivity and medical image analysis using deep learning, particularly in ophthalmic diagnostics. The lab emphasizes practical, scalable solutions that bridge theoretical models with real-time system deployment.
Professor Sang-Gyu Kim's research lab specializes in ultrafast dynamics and surface-enhanced spectroscopy, focusing on the fundamental mechanisms of chemical reactions at the molecular level. The lab employs advanced time-resolved techniques, including femtosecond laser spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, to investigate unimolecular dissociation, bond cleavage pathways, and nonstatistical dynamics in reactive intermediates. A key focus is on understanding the role of electronic structure, vibrational motions, and surface interactions in controlling reaction outcomes, particularly in systems such as ketene, aromatic amino acids, and nucleobases. The lab also explores surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to probe molecular adsorption and orientation on plasmonic nanostructures like silver colloids.
Professor Ji-Ye Kim's research lab focuses on translational oncology and molecular mechanisms underlying breast cancer progression, with a strong emphasis on improving diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic outcomes. Key research directions include the role of cell cycle markers (e.g., PHH3, Ki67) in cancer diagnostics, tumor immune microenvironment characterization—particularly CD8+ T cell heterogeneity and exhaustion markers like CD39 in tumors and metastatic lymph nodes—and the molecular regulation of lipid metabolism enzymes such as DGAT2 in the endoplasmic reticulum. The lab also investigates surgical innovation, including robot-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy, to enhance patient outcomes in breast cancer care.
Professor Wook Kim's research lab focuses on translational surgical oncology and microbial ecology, with a strong emphasis on improving outcomes in gastric cancer surgery and understanding the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of bacterial communities. The lab investigates surgical techniques such as laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) and identifies patient-specific risk factors—particularly comorbidities—for postoperative complications. Concurrently, the lab explores microbial biofilm formation and spatial competition in bacteria like *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* and *Pseudomonas fluorescens*, revealing how ecological pressures drive phenotypic evolution and collective behaviors such as swarming. The integration of clinical surgery, microbiology, and ecological theory defines the lab’s interdisciplinary approach.
Professor Seung-Yong Sung's research lab focuses on host-pathogen interactions, with a central emphasis on understanding the immunological mechanisms underlying infectious diseases such as scrub typhus and sepsis. The lab investigates protective antigens, including the 56-kDa protein of *Orientia tsutsugamushi*, and explores mucosal and systemic immune responses to bacterial vaccines. Utilizing proteomic and systems biology approaches, the lab aims to identify key molecular targets for vaccine development and immunodiagnosis.
Professor Dong-Seok Kim's research lab focuses on cellular signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms underlying skin pigmentation, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer cell death. The lab investigates bioactive lipid mediators like sphingosine-1-phosphate and small molecules such as 4-n-butylresorcinol and novel compounds like KHG22394 to modulate melanogenesis through key signaling pathways including ERK and Akt. It also explores the role of oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species in apoptosis, particularly in melanoma cells, and examines cytoskeletal proteins like septins in cancer cell division. The lab’s work bridges dermatology, neuroscience, and cancer biology with translational applications in skin whitening agents and neuroprotective therapeutics.
Professor Geun-soo Kim's research lab specializes in spinal degeneration and spinal surgery, with a focus on intervertebral disc biology, disc degeneration models, and spinal implant technologies. The lab investigates the biological mechanisms underlying disc degeneration, including the effects of nicotine on disc cell metabolism and extracellular matrix regulation, as well as the clinical outcomes of spinal instrumentation and arthroplasty. Research also extends to surgical strategies for spinal fusion and the management of spinal disorders during pregnancy, emphasizing both experimental models and clinical applications. The lab integrates molecular biology, surgical techniques, and long-term clinical follow-up to advance spinal health and surgical outcomes.
Professor Seungwon Jung's research lab specializes in image and video processing, with a strong focus on enhancing visual quality, improving depth perception, and enabling efficient data handling in multimedia systems. Key research directions include dehazing techniques based on physical models, reversible data hiding with human visual system awareness, joint image-depth map enhancement using adaptive filtering, and intelligent data imputation for energy consumption forecasting. The lab also develops fast video coding algorithms and depth enhancement methods tailored to human perception, emphasizing real-world applicability and computational efficiency.
Professor Kyoung Bok Min's research lab focuses on environmental health and epidemiology, with a primary emphasis on the impact of trace metals and environmental toxins on human health. The lab investigates the associations between exposure to heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and PFOA and chronic diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular conditions, and infertility. Additionally, the lab explores behavioral health outcomes, particularly smartphone addiction among adolescents, and the role of psychosocial factors such as self-control and social relationships. The research is largely based on large-scale national health surveys, employing rigorous statistical and analytical methods to identify environmental risk factors and protective factors in diverse populations.
Professor Jae Kyoung Sim's research lab specializes in perioperative pain management and neurological outcomes in spinal surgery, with a focus on optimizing analgesic regimens, reducing opioid use, and preventing postoperative complications such as delirium and nausea. The lab investigates pharmacological interventions—particularly pregabalin and dexamethasone—combined with neuromodulation and cerebral oxygenation monitoring to improve functional recovery and patient safety in elderly and high-risk surgical populations. Key research directions include multimodal analgesia, postoperative delirium prevention, and the use of cerebral oximetry for real-time neurovascular monitoring during spinal procedures.
Professor Cheol Lee's research lab specializes in signal processing, image and video reconstruction, and advanced display technologies. The lab focuses on high dynamic range (HDR) imaging, matrix completion for data recovery, and optimization techniques for efficient image and video processing. It also explores the integration of novel materials like graphene with electronic systems and develops hybrid memory architectures for improved performance and durability in embedded systems.
Professor Ga-eun Nam's research lab focuses on epidemiological and population-based studies examining the interplay between obesity, metabolic syndrome, and chronic disease outcomes in the Korean population. The lab investigates the long-term health impacts of weight variability, abdominal obesity, and reproductive health factors such as menopause on cardiovascular diseases and mortality. Utilizing large-scale national health datasets, the lab aims to inform public health policy and preventive strategies tailored to the Korean context.
Professor Young-Hoon Song's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying photoperiodic flowering regulation in higher plants, particularly in model species like Arabidopsis and major cereal crops such as rice, wheat, and barley. The lab investigates how circadian clock components, FKF1, GI, ZTL, and CO proteins integrate light and time signals to precisely control the expression of florigen (FT) and initiate flowering. A central theme is the post-translational regulation of key transcription factors like CO and HY5, including their protein-protein interactions, stability, and DNA-binding dynamics under varying photoperiods. The lab also explores the evolutionary conservation of these pathways in legumes, such as soybean, through functional characterization of homologous transcription factors like STF1.