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 Chan Seok Shin's research lab specializes in the molecular mechanisms of small non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs) and their roles in post-transcriptional gene regulation across plants and animals. The lab investigates miRNA biogenesis, stability, and target regulation, with a focus on the interplay between miRNAs, Argonaute proteins, and their regulatory networks in development and stress responses. Key research directions include the identification of novel miRNAs in economically important crops like pepper, the functional characterization of miRNA-mediated gene silencing, and the exploration of non-canonical roles of RNA-processing enzymes such as DROSHA in RNA metabolism. The lab also examines the dynamic regulation of splicing and RNA surveillance mechanisms under stress and cell cycle conditions.
Professor Cheolgeun Park's research lab focuses on molecular oncology and cancer pathogenesis, with a particular emphasis on gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary cancers. The lab investigates the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying carcinogenesis, including the serrated pathway in colorectal carcinogenesis, Wnt/β-catenin signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma, and the role of long non-coding RNAs in tumor progression and prognosis. They also explore prognostic biomarkers and immune microenvironment features in melanoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumors, aiming to improve risk stratification and treatment outcomes.
Professor An Deokgeun's research lab specializes in stellar astrophysics, with a focus on understanding the physical properties and chemical compositions of stars through detailed spectroscopic and photometric analyses. The lab employs data from major surveys such as the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and Spitzer Space Telescope to study stellar populations in both open and globular clusters, emphasizing precise measurements of atmospheric parameters, radial velocities, metallicities, and alpha-element abundances. A key research direction involves developing and validating calibration techniques for stellar parameter pipelines and isochrone fitting to improve distance and age determinations of star clusters. The lab also investigates young stellar objects in the Galactic center using infrared spectroscopy to probe star formation processes in extreme environments.
Professor Yongchun Kim's research lab specializes in community resilience, disaster risk reduction, and emergency management, with a focus on how social networks, local communication systems, and community belonging influence individual and collective preparedness before, during, and after disasters. The lab investigates the role of interpersonal communication, local media, and civic organizations in shaping disaster response behaviors, particularly in mid-sized urban communities. A central theme is the integration of social capital and communication infrastructure to enhance community-level resilience. The lab’s work combines qualitative and quantitative methods to inform policy and practice in disaster mitigation and community engagement.
Professor Hyeok Lee's research lab specializes in gastrointestinal disorders, particularly focusing on the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional gastrointestinal diseases. The lab investigates mucosal immune mechanisms, such as mast cell involvement in intestinal permeability, and explores novel therapeutic strategies, including pharmacological agents like venlafaxine for functional chronic pain and advanced drug delivery systems such as pH-responsive extracellular vesicles for cancer immunotherapy. The lab also examines drug-induced complications, including proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-associated hypomagnesmia, and evaluates treatment efficacy in viral hepatitis, particularly in East Asian populations. Overall, the lab bridges translational gastroenterology with innovative therapeutics and personalized medicine approaches.
Professor Young Ho Yun's research lab specializes in psychosocial oncology, focusing on the long-term quality of life, symptom management, and psychosocial well-being of cancer survivors and their families. The lab investigates critical issues such as cancer-related fatigue, pain assessment, end-of-life communication, and caregiver burden, with an emphasis on developing and evaluating tailored, internet-based interventions to improve patient outcomes. Their work integrates evidence-based guidelines with behavioral theories like the transtheoretic model to enhance patient self-management and support. The lab also contributes to the cultural adaptation and validation of standardized assessment tools in Korean populations.
Professor Ik Seong Cho's research lab specializes in cardiovascular imaging and risk prediction, with a primary focus on the prognostic value of coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) and coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) in asymptomatic individuals. The lab investigates how non-invasive imaging modalities improve risk stratification beyond conventional risk factors, particularly in patients with low or intermediate risk profiles. Key research directions include evaluating incremental risk prediction beyond clinical scores, assessing the impact of CACS severity on CCTA utility, and exploring the role of imaging in guiding preventive cardiology. The lab also contributes to understanding immune responses to influenza vaccines, particularly in pediatric populations, through serological assays and antibody response comparisons.
Professor Seung Uk Son's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and application of advanced nanomaterials and hybrid porous frameworks for catalysis and energy-related technologies. Key research directions include the development of transition metal and bimetallic nanoparticles with controlled size and surface chemistry for efficient organic transformations, the creation of metal-organic framework (MOF)-based hybrid materials with tailored surface properties for environmental applications, and the engineering of nanostructured anodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries. The lab also explores hollow and microporous organic networks for catalytic and adsorption applications, emphasizing structure-property relationships through advanced characterization techniques.
Professor Dong Sup Yoon's research lab specializes in surgical critical care and hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery, with a strong focus on improving the diagnosis, severity assessment, and management of acute cholecystitis and cholangitis. The lab is at the forefront of developing and validating clinical guidelines, such as the Tokyo Guidelines (TG13 and TG18), which standardize diagnostic criteria and treatment algorithms based on evidence and big data. Their work emphasizes risk stratification using tools like the Charlson Comorbidity Index and ASA-PS, and investigates predictive factors for postoperative complications such as pancreatic fistula. The lab also explores prognostic factors in metastatic disease, particularly adrenal metastasis and lymph node involvement in gastrointestinal cancers.
Professor Kihoon Kim's research lab specializes in strongly correlated electron systems, focusing on quantum materials exhibiting complex electronic phenomena such as metal-insulator transitions, charge ordering, spin-phonon coupling, and quantum criticality. The lab investigates perovskite manganites, transparent oxide semiconductors, and transition metal dichalcogenides to explore emergent states like polarons, charge density waves, and unconventional superconductivity. Using advanced transport, optical, and thermal measurements, the group uncovers the interplay between lattice, charge, spin, and orbital degrees of freedom in quantum materials. Their work bridges fundamental many-body physics with applications in oxide electronics and quantum devices.
Professor Hwan Su Yoon's research lab specializes in evolutionary biology and molecular phylogenetics, focusing on the origin and diversification of algal plastids and their endosymbiotic relationships. The lab investigates primary and secondary endosymbiosis events, particularly the evolutionary trajectories of plastids derived from red and green algae, using genomic and molecular clock approaches. A central theme is understanding the massive gene transfer from plastids to the nucleus, especially in dinoflagellates with highly reduced plastid genomes. The lab also explores uncultured microbial eukaryotes, such as picobiliphytes, using single-cell genomics to resolve their metabolic and evolutionary status.
Professor Jeongho Park's research lab focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying gastrointestinal disorders, particularly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with an emphasis on mast cell involvement in visceral hypersensitivity and gut barrier function. The lab also investigates bacterial toxin-antitoxin systems, such as the MazE-MazF system, for their potential in antiviral therapy and gene regulation. Additionally, the lab explores neurogenetic pathways in model organisms like *Drosophila*, particularly gustatory receptor functions in sensory neuron circuits. These interdisciplinary efforts bridge molecular biology, microbiology, and neurogastroenterology to uncover novel therapeutic targets.
Professor Ki Ho Park's research lab specializes in glaucoma diagnostics and neuroprotection, focusing on advanced imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness. The lab investigates the diagnostic performance of various OCT devices and parameters, particularly in early and preperimetric glaucoma, and explores cellular mechanisms of retinal ganglion cell survival under stress, including heat shock protein induction and zinc-mediated protection. Their work also addresses real-world clinical challenges, such as medication adherence in glaucoma patients, integrating clinical observation with technological innovation.
Professor Ilhwan Kim's research lab specializes in the development and characterization of advanced nanomaterials for energy storage and biomedical applications. The lab focuses on designing hybrid nanocomposites, such as polylactide/exfoliated graphite and ruthenium oxide-based thin films, to enhance thermal, mechanical, and electrochemical properties. A key research direction involves optimizing electrode materials—particularly hydrous ruthenium oxide and carbon nanotube-supported systems—through scalable fabrication techniques like electrostatic spray deposition for high-performance supercapacitors. Additionally, the lab explores laser-based dermatological treatments, investigating the cellular mechanisms of low-fluence lasers in melasma therapy using advanced imaging techniques.
Professor Eun-Jung Kim's research lab focuses on regenerative medicine, vascular biology, and neuropsychiatric disorders, with a strong emphasis on mesenchymal stem cells, vascular smooth muscle cell plasticity, and neuroinflammatory mechanisms in postoperative delirium. The lab investigates cellular and molecular pathways in tissue repair, immune modulation, and neurovascular interactions, particularly through the roles of HMGB1 and inflammatory signaling. Using translational models—from in vitro studies to animal models and clinical applications—the lab aims to develop novel therapeutic strategies for inflammatory and degenerative diseases.
Professor Soo Hyun Lee's research lab specializes in the development of smart biomaterials and targeted drug delivery systems for cancer therapy, with a focus on stimuli-responsive peptides, RNA-based nanocarriers, and hemostatic hydrogels. The lab explores innovative strategies such as enzyme-activated cell-penetrating peptides and functionalized chitosan derivatives to enhance drug specificity and reduce immune responses. A key research direction involves leveraging biological triggers—like bacterial azoreductase or endogenous enzymes—to enable precise spatiotemporal delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics to tumor sites. The lab also investigates the immunomodulatory tumor microenvironment, particularly regulatory T cells in aggressive cancers like triple-negative breast cancer.
Professor Hunjeong Lee's research lab focuses on the neurobiological and genetic underpinnings of psychiatric and neurological disorders, with a particular emphasis on the interplay between neurochemical systems, circadian rhythms, and genetic variations in conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. The lab investigates molecular mechanisms involving serotonin and adrenergic receptors, circadian gene and cortisol rhythms, and the impact of environmental factors like artificial light on brain function and mental health. Clinical translational research is a key component, exploring biomarkers and genetic polymorphisms related to treatment response and side effects, such as antipsychotic-induced weight gain. The lab integrates neurophysiological assessments, molecular genetics, and behavioral phenotyping to advance personalized approaches in neuropsychiatry.
Professor Beom Han's research lab specializes in statistical genetics and bioinformatics, focusing on advanced methods for multiple testing correction and meta-analysis in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The lab develops computationally efficient and accurate statistical frameworks to address challenges such as heterogeneity, overlapping study subjects, and complex correlation structures in genetic data. Key research directions include improving the reliability of genetic association studies through robust correction techniques and causal inference methods, particularly in the context of large-scale genomic data. The lab also investigates the genetic architecture of complex diseases, including psychiatric and metabolic disorders, using innovative statistical modeling.
Professor Siyoung Choi's research lab specializes in the atomic-scale engineering of complex oxides and 2D van der Waals materials, focusing on defect physics, strain engineering, and interfacial phenomena. The lab employs advanced electron microscopy techniques—such as aberration-corrected STEM and EELS—combined with first-principles calculations to probe the structure-property relationships in functional oxides, including ferroelectrics, catalysts, and multiferroics. Key research directions include controlling oxygen vacancies for enhanced photocatalytic and dielectric performance, manipulating strain to induce large electrostrains in perovskite ceramics, and designing novel heterostructures with tailored electronic and topological properties. The lab's work bridges fundamental materials science with applications in energy conversion, nanoelectronics, and ultralow-power devices.
Professor Si-Yong Choi's research lab specializes in the atomic-scale engineering of complex oxides, focusing on defect dynamics, strain effects, and interfacial phenomena in functional oxide materials. The lab employs advanced electron microscopy techniques—such as aberration-corrected STEM and EELS—combined with first-principles calculations to probe the structure-property relationships in oxides, including ferromagnetic, piezoelectric, and photocatalytic materials. Key research directions include the control of oxygen vacancies, strain-induced functionalities, and the design of novel heterostructures for next-generation electronic and energy applications.
