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 Himchan Cho's research lab specializes in the development of advanced optoelectronic materials and devices, with a primary focus on perovskite-based light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) and quantum dot technologies. The lab explores novel strategies to enhance device efficiency, stability, and processability through precise control of material composition, nanostructure engineering, and innovative fabrication techniques such as nanocrystal pinning and photopatternable inks. Key research directions include improving luminescent efficiency and reducing non-radiative recombination in perovskite films, understanding ion migration effects in halide perovskites, and enabling high-resolution patterning for next-generation displays.
Professor In-Sup Sim's research lab focuses on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying psychiatric and cognitive disorders, with a particular emphasis on neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and neuroplasticity. The lab investigates the roles of inflammatory cytokines, neurotransmitter systems, and metabolic dysregulation in conditions such as depression, chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment, and hydrocephalus-related cognitive decline. Using preclinical rodent models combined with behavioral, neurochemical, and imaging techniques (e.g., PET), the lab explores potential therapeutic interventions, including cytokine modulation, ginseng saponins, and drugs like donepezil and lactate. The research integrates neuroimmunology, neuropsychopharmacology, and metabolic neuroscience to identify novel targets for brain disorders.
Professor Young-Sun Kim's research lab focuses on gender and sex differences in gastrointestinal disorders, particularly in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), exploring the role of sex hormones and gender-related pathophysiology. The lab also investigates innovative, minimally invasive therapeutic technologies such as radiofrequency ablation and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for treating benign thyroid nodules and tumors. Additionally, the lab examines metabolic risk factors, including visceral obesity and insulin resistance, in relation to colorectal adenoma and cardiovascular risk in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Professor Hyesun Lee's research lab specializes in genetic and immunological mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases, with a primary focus on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and type 1 diabetes (T1D). The lab investigates disease-associated genetic variants, particularly in HLA and non-HLA loci such as STAT4, PTPN22, and MHC regions, using case-control and family-based association studies in Korean and other populations. Key research directions include identifying susceptibility and protective alleles, dissecting gene-environment interactions (e.g., smoking and HLA-SE), and exploring the role of immune signaling pathways in autoimmunity. The lab employs advanced molecular genetics techniques, including SNP genotyping, haplotype analysis, and linkage disequilibrium mapping, to uncover novel genetic risk factors and improve understanding of disease pathogenesis in Asian populations.
Professor Jeon-Soo Shin's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms of unconventional protein secretion, particularly the release and function of the alarmin HMGB1 in sterile and infectious inflammation. The lab investigates how post-translational modifications—especially oxidative modifications such as disulfide bond formation—regulate HMGB1's translocation and secretion via non-classical pathways. Key research directions include the role of redox enzymes (e.g., peroxiredoxins), autophagy-related machinery, and vesicular trafficking in HMGB1 secretion, as well as its interactions with pathogen-associated molecular patterns (e.g., LPS) and the complement system. The lab also explores how immune cells can be hijacked by pathogens through lipid raft-mediated entry, linking innate immune evasion to inflammatory disease progression.
Professor Sangwon Lee's research lab specializes in translational biomedical research focusing on the intersection of rheumatology, metabolic liver disease, and systemic inflammation. The lab investigates biomarkers and imaging techniques for early detection of liver steatosis and fibrosis in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Key research directions include the role of adipokines (e.g., adiponectin, leptin) in immune modulation, the application of non-invasive elastography and CT-based liver attenuation indices in assessing liver involvement, and systemic inflammatory markers like the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in predicting disease outcomes in vasculitis and other autoimmune disorders.
Professor Sung Jin Lee's research lab focuses on interdisciplinary biomedical and bioengineering research, with a strong emphasis on neurobiology, cellular mechanisms of disease, and translational applications in regenerative medicine and biotechnology. The lab investigates synaptic plasticity and neuronal circuit regulation through proteins like neuronal pentraxins, explores mechanisms of red blood cell clearance in the liver, and examines signaling pathways involved in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s. Additionally, the lab contributes to computational linguistics and robotics applications in education, reflecting a broad yet integrated approach to solving complex biological and technological challenges. The research spans from molecular mechanisms to applied technologies, including robot-assisted language learning and plant protease applications in food science.
Professor Ja-Yeong Kim's research lab specializes in the development of wearable, noninvasive bioelectronic systems for real-time health monitoring. The lab focuses on designing flexible, printable electrochemical sensors for continuous detection of biomarkers in various biofluids—such as sweat, interstitial fluid, saliva, and tears—using enzyme-based transduction mechanisms. Key innovations include wearable platforms integrating iontophoresis, wireless electronics, and biocompatible materials for point-of-care diagnostics and personalized health management.
Professor Seokyung Hahn's research lab specializes in clinical trial methodology, with a strong focus on improving the design, conduct, and interpretation of randomized controlled trials—particularly cluster randomised trials and non-inferiority trials. The lab investigates methodological challenges such as bias from selective reporting, subgroup analysis inconsistencies, and the ethical and statistical complexities of modern trial designs. Their work often involves systematic reviews and meta-analyses to evaluate interventions in global health contexts, such as oral rehydration therapy and maternal/child health. The lab emphasizes methodological rigor to enhance the validity and transparency of clinical research evidence.
Professor Gye-Chun Cho's research lab focuses on sustainable geotechnical engineering solutions, with a strong emphasis on soil improvement using biopolymers, microbial agents, and eco-friendly binders. The lab investigates the micro-mechanical behavior of particulate materials, particularly the influence of particle shape and interparticle forces on soil density and mechanical response. A key research direction involves developing and validating biopolymer-based soil treatment (BPST) technologies for applications in dust control, erosion prevention, and soil stabilization, with a focus on durability, environmental sustainability, and field applicability. The lab also explores advanced sensing and imaging technologies, including deep learning-based image analysis, for infrastructure monitoring and road damage detection.
Professor Seunghwan Cho's research lab specializes in the development of innovative transition-metal-catalyzed and metal-free C–H bond activation methodologies for the selective construction of C–C and C–heteroatom bonds. The lab focuses on regio- and chemoselective functionalization of heterocycles, particularly pyridines, arenes, and carbazole precursors, using mild and efficient catalytic systems. Key achievements include the direct oxidative coupling of C–H bonds, novel amination strategies using unconventional nitrogen sources, and the application of hypervalent iodine and silver mediators for selective transformations. The work emphasizes atom-economical, step-efficient, and scalable synthetic routes with broad functional group tolerance.
Professor Jong Uk Bae's research lab specializes in the design and development of advanced functional materials for sustainable energy and environmental applications. The lab focuses on single-atom and nanostructured catalysts, particularly for syngas conversion, CO₂ utilization, and the catalytic abatement of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Key research directions include enhancing catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability through precise control of metal-support interactions, confinement effects in mesoporous supports, and tailored acid-base properties in solid catalysts. The lab also investigates bifunctional catalyst systems for the efficient production of value-added chemicals such as dimethyl ether and aromatic monomers from syngas or biomass-derived feedstocks.
Professor Daesoo Kim's research lab specializes in neuroengineering and translational neuroscience, focusing on the development of implantable bioelectronic devices for neuromodulation and the investigation of ion channels and metabolic pathways in neurological disorders. The lab integrates flexible electronics, such as piezoelectric energy harvesters and microelectrode arrays (e.g., iWEBS), to enable long-term, stable brain-computer interfaces in freely moving animals. Research also spans molecular mechanisms of pain modulation, particularly T-type calcium channels in thalamic processing, and the role of metabolic regulators like NQO1 in aging and neurodegeneration. Additionally, the lab explores the neurobiological basis of movement disorders, including dystonia, through serotonin receptor modulation.
Professor Kyu Seok Shim's research lab specializes in data-intensive computing, network security, and environmental monitoring, with a strong focus on scalable data processing, intelligent traffic analysis, and advanced simulation for energy systems. The lab develops innovative algorithms and frameworks—such as MapReduce-based systems, automated signature generation for intrusion detection, and high-resolution environmental sensing using hyperspectral imaging—to address real-world challenges in big data analytics, cybersecurity, and nuclear fuel cycle simulation. Their work bridges theoretical algorithm design with practical applications in network management, environmental monitoring, and energy technology. The lab also explores weak supervision techniques in NLP to improve model robustness and generalization in low-resource settings.
Professor Youngkook Kwon's research lab specializes in electrocatalysis for sustainable energy conversion, with a focus on understanding and optimizing the electrooxidation of renewable organic fuels—such as glycerol, furfural, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural—on noble and base metal catalysts. The lab employs advanced in situ and online analytical techniques, including online HPLC, FTIR, and mass spectrometry, to elucidate reaction mechanisms, identify intermediates, and enhance selectivity in fuel cell and electrochemical conversion processes. A key research direction involves designing selective and stable electrocatalysts through surface modification (e.g., bismuth adatoms on platinum) and exploring the role of pH and electrode material in controlling reaction pathways. The lab also investigates electrochemical CO2 reduction as a route to value-added chemicals, aiming to address challenges in activity, selectivity, and scalability for industrial application.
Professor Yu Jung Kim's research lab specializes in biomedical and life sciences, with a focus on molecular mechanisms underlying disease progression and immune responses in both insects and humans. The lab investigates host-pathogen interactions, particularly Toll-like receptor functions in insect immunity, and explores molecular biomarkers for predicting cancer relapse and treatment outcomes. Additionally, the lab examines science education processes, especially students' conceptual understanding in science through graphical representation and analogical reasoning, aiming to improve science instruction for gifted learners. The integration of clinical research with educational psychology underscores the lab’s interdisciplinary approach to advancing both medical science and science education.
Professor Kook-Hwan Oh's research lab specializes in chronic kidney disease (CKD) epidemiology and pathophysiology, with a focus on understanding the interplay between aging, mineral metabolism, and cardiovascular outcomes in CKD patients. The lab leverages the large-scale KNOW-CKD cohort to investigate biomarkers such as klotho, inflammatory mediators like IL-6, and metabolic syndrome in relation to CKD progression and comorbidities. Key research directions include the role of inflammation and aging-related proteins in dialysis outcomes, cardiac structure and function, and the impact of mental health on infectious disease risk in CKD populations. The lab integrates clinical, biochemical, and longitudinal data to identify modifiable risk factors and improve patient outcomes in CKD.
Professor Mi-Sook Park's research lab specializes in medical imaging and molecular diagnostics, focusing on improving the accuracy of radiological assessments for abdominal cancers and liver diseases. The lab investigates advanced MRI and CT techniques—such as diffusion-weighted imaging, perfusion CT, and MRCP—to enhance early detection and treatment prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and pancreatic cancer. Additionally, the lab explores neuroimaging biomarkers of addiction, particularly alcohol use disorder, using fMRI to understand the neural mechanisms underlying craving. The integration of functional imaging with clinical outcomes supports the development of personalized treatment strategies.
Professor Jeon Hong-jin's research lab specializes in digital mental health interventions, focusing on the application of virtual reality (VR) and wearable technologies for the assessment, monitoring, and treatment of psychiatric disorders. The lab investigates objective biomarkers—particularly heart rate variability (HRV)—to improve the diagnosis and management of major depressive disorder and anxiety-related conditions. A key research direction involves evaluating the efficacy of VR-based exposure and relaxation therapies in reducing stress and psychiatric symptoms, alongside exploring real-time, sensor-based monitoring using smartwatches and fitness trackers.
Professor Jae-Ho Cho's research lab focuses on the intersection of communication, political behavior, and digital media, with a particular emphasis on how algorithmic systems and news media shape public opinion, emotional responses, and political polarization. The lab investigates the effects of recommender systems—especially on platforms like YouTube—on opinion reinforcement and affective polarization, as well as the role of traditional and digital media in shaping cognitive and emotional reactions to major events. A central theme is understanding how media environments, both legacy and social, influence individual and collective political attitudes and behaviors.
