KINGS NEWS
Implementation of Community Contribution Activities (Environmental Cleanup Volunteering)
KINGS carried out an environmental cleanup volunteer activity with faculty and staff on the afternoon of June 10 at NASA Beach in Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan. Participants collected various household waste and debris in and around the beach and along the nearby coastline, contributing to the creation of a cleaner coastal environment.
Reflecting KINGS’ geographic location in a coastal area, this activity was organized to make a direct contribution to local environmental conservation and to put into practice mutually beneficial cooperation with the local community. More than a one-off event, it carries added significance in that members of the university community will continue to regularly protect the environmental value of the region together each year.
Notably, the 5th President, Dong-Wook Jerng, who took office on June 1, joined faculty and staff for the first time in this volunteer activity, drawing attention. It is viewed as demonstrating the university’s direction of walking alongside the local community, as well as enhancing communication with its members, by taking the first step of the newly launched leadership through field-centered social contribution activities.
Despite the hot weather, faculty and staff worked hard to create a pleasant marine environment by collecting litter scattered across the beach. Through the activity, participants were able to reflect once again on the importance of environmental protection, while also strengthening their sense of community and bonds with one another as they worked side by side.
KINGS plans to continue fulfilling its responsibility as a university that grows together with the region by carrying out a variety of social contribution and environmental cleanup activities in close cooperation with the local community.
The inauguration of the 5th President of KINGS, Dr. Dong-Wook Jerng
□ KINGS held the inauguration ceremony for its 5th President, Dr. Dong-Wook Jerng, at the Chung Kunmo Hall on the main campus on Monday, June 1, 2026. The ceremony was attended by around 50 participants, including faculty, students, staff, members of the Board of Directors, and executives from related organizations. President Jerng begins his three-year term in office as of today.
□ In his inaugural address, President Dong-Wook Jerng declared his vision for KINGS to take a new leap forward as a central hub of the global nuclear network and as an institution that cultivates leaders who will drive the rapidly evolving global nuclear power market.
President Jerng identified proactive response to paradigm shifts as the core direction for enhancing the quality of education. To lead an expanding market that is shifting from large-scale nuclear power plants to areas such as small modular reactors (SMRs), spent nuclear fuel management, and decommissioning, he proposed establishing a multidisciplinary education system that integrates technology, management, and policy, while significantly strengthening AI-convergence curricula.
He also emphasized the simultaneous reinforcement of research and networks as a driving force for KINGS’ new leap forward. By promoting nuclear industry–focused research, KINGS aims to provide students with practical education, build strong partnerships with industry, and, through global networking, establish a close-knit framework for international cooperation.
President Jerng stated, “The true value of KINGS lies in enabling its graduates to stand tall as key leaders who drive the global nuclear industry,” expressing his commitment to positioning KINGS as a leading hub of nuclear education that connects the world by combining robust education, strengthened research capabilities, and expanded global networking.
□ President Dong-Wook Jerng earned his bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering from Seoul National University, his master’s degree from KAIST, and his Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He previously served as a chief researcher at the Central Research Institute of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) and as Director of the Nuclear R&D Program Management at the National Research Foundation of Korea, before joining Chung-Ang University as a professor in the School of Energy Systems Engineering. He has served as President of the Korean Nuclear Society, Chair of the Committee for the 11th Master Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand, and Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Innovative SMR Development Project, and he currently serves as a Policy Advisory Committee Member, the National Research Council of Science & Technology.
KINGS INC YouTube Shorts(Video) Contest
■ Contest Theme
Nuclear Power Export and the Future of Nuclear Power
■ Submission Period
April 27 (Mon), 2026 – June 14 (Sun), 2026
■ Details
Eligibility : Students from KINGS or universities in Korea that offer nuclear-related programs.
Format : Vertical short-form video (YouTube Shorts)
Video Specifications :
• Duration: Within 2 minute
• Resolution: 1080 x 1920 (9:16 ratio)
※ All elements used in the video must be free from copyright or portrait rights issues.
■ Submission Method
1) Upload your contest video as unlisted on your personal YouTube channel.
2) Submit your application via the announcement posting (Entry button) on the KINGS website.
3) The application form must include the followings : Name, Affiliated school, Contact number, Email address, Title of the video, Description and Concept of the video, YouTube URL
4) If you have difficulty applying through the announcement posting, you may also submit the information in 3) and files together by e-mail, inc@kings.ac.kr.
※ The Entry button will only be available during the contest period.
■ Prizes
1st Prize: 2 million KRW (1 winner)
2nd Prize: 1 million KRW (1 winner)
3rd Prize: 0.5 million KRW (2 winners)
※ Results will be individually notified.
※ Winners Announcement: July 1 (Wed), 2026 (scheduled)
※ Winners must attend the award ceremony (details to be announced separately).
■ Inquiries : inc@kings.ac.kr, chkang@kings.ac.kr
■ Important Notes
- Submissions must be original works that have not been submitted to other contests and must be free of copyright issues.
- The applicant is solely responsible for any legal issues related to copyright or portrait rights (e.g., unauthorized use of music, images, or fonts). Use of royalty-free music/fonts or original content is strongly encouraged.
- Copyright of the submitted videos remains with the applicant, but winning entries may be used and distributed by the KINGS Center for International Nuclear Nonproliferation Cooperation.
- Winners must additionally submit the original version of the video (no subtitles or background music, high quality only).
※ The Center may request edits to parts of the video or subtitles to better utilize the content.
- The number of winners may change depending on the judging results.
- If plagiarism or other disqualifying issues are discovered after winning, the award may be revoked and prize money reclaimed.
KINGS Designated as an “Excellent Certified University” by the Ministry of Education of Korea
KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School (KINGS) has been designated as an “Excellent Certified University” in the 2025 International Education Quality Assurance System (IEQAS) evaluation conducted by the Ministry of Education. The designation is valid from March 2026 to February 2027.
IEQAS is a national quality assurance system that assesses universities’ capacity to recruit, manage, and support international students. In 2025, 383 institutions applied, and only 39 were ed for the Excellent designation. Among graduate-only institutions, just five universities including KINGS received this distinction.
Excellent Certified Universities are recognized for their outstanding international education capacity. The universities benefit from simplified visa screening procedures and receive promotional support to share best practices. Information about certified institutions is also published on the Study in Korea(studyinkorea.go.kr) and shared with Korean diplomatic missions abroad, providing prospective students with reliable, government-recognized information.
This designation reflects KINGS’ continued commitment to maintaining high standards in international student support and academic quality.
KINGS will continue to strengthen its academic quality and international student support systems in line with global standards.
KINGS Strengthens Role in Korea-Vietnam Nuclear Cooperation
KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School (KINGS) has reinforced its position as a global hub for nuclear talent development by continuing discussions with key Vietnamese nuclear institutions on cooperation in professional workforce training, in step with the growing momentum of nuclear cooperation between Korea and Vietnam.
On April 23, KINGS held meetings with representatives from the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM), the Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety (VRANS), and KEPCO’s Overseas Nuclear Business Development Department during the Nuclear Industry Exhibition at BEXCO in Busan. The discussions focused on ways to foster highly qualified nuclear professionals in connection with future bilateral nuclear cooperation. The meeting carries added significance as it followed recent discussions on an MOU for nuclear power development cooperation and supply chain collaboration between Korea and Vietnam, which gained momentum in the wake of the Korea–Vietnam summit. It also demonstrated that bilateral cooperation, previously centered on government and industry, is now expanding into the fields of education and workforce development. During the meeting, KINGS introduced the achievements of its international nuclear education programs and shared its extensive experience in cultivating global nuclear talent. The school also presented practical ways it could contribute to the development of the skilled workforce required for Vietnam’s potential new nuclear power projects. As the sustainable growth of the nuclear industry depends not only on technology and infrastructure, but also on a well-trained workforce capable of operating and managing them, KINGS’ educational capabilities drew strong interest.
On April 24, Dr. Đỗ Hồng Giang, deputy director of VINATOM, visited KINGS to learn more about the KINGS current status, its education and research system, and its foundation for international cooperation. During the visit, follow-up discussions were held on the potential to further expand educational and research collaboration based on KINGS’ specialized academic infrastructure and research capabilities. This exchange is particularly meaningful in that it shows Korea–Vietnam nuclear cooperation evolving beyond industrial collaboration toward the cultivation of the next generation of professionals who will lead the future nuclear ecosystem. Leveraging its internationally recognized expertise in nuclear education and its global network, KINGS plans to continue responding to growing international demand for nuclear cooperation while expanding its role as a key partner in professional workforce development.
Meanwhile, Soo-jin Park, Executive Director of Planning and External Affairs at KINGS, also visited the Nuclear Industry Exhibition and the KINGS NCC booth during the visit, while engaging with domestic and international alumni as well as nuclear industry stakeholders to further expand the school’s global cooperation network.
PRESS RELEASE
KINGS Welcomes Delegation from Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute
KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School (KINGS) hosted a visit from Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) on March 25, sharing the school's operational status and key educational programs with the delegation.
The visit took place at the KINGS conference room, with a total of six KAERI officials attending, led by Kim Chul, head of the public Cooperation Team. On behalf of KINGS, Executive Director of office of planning and External Affairs Park Soo-jin welcomed the delegation. Professor Kim Keung-koo, a distinguished scholar currently serving at KINGS following an extensive research career at KAERI, was also in attendance, lending special significance to the occasion.
The visit proceeded with a presentation on the school's overview, followed by a question-and-answer session. KINGS introduced its educational curriculum centered on fostering global nuclear and energy professionals, its internationally oriented learning environment, and its field-linked practical training programs, sharing with the delegation the school's distinctive role and strengths as a specialized graduate institution in the nuclear and energy sectors. The visiting delegation demonstrated keen interest in the school's overall educational framework, engaging in a wide range of questions throughout the session.
KINGS noted that the visit served as a meaningful opportunity to directly communicate the school's educational capabilities and operational direction to officials from domestic nuclear-related institutions. Going forward, KINGS plans to continue expanding external engagement across various channels, faithfully fulfilling its role as a practice-oriented institution for nurturing nuclear and energy professionals, while broadening communication with both domestic and international stakeholders in the nuclear field to further enhance the school's recognition and standing.
Finnish Nuclear Regulator STUK Visits KINGS World-Renowned Regulatory Authority Shows Interest in KINGS’ Nuclear Education Capabilities
KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School (KINGS) announced that a delegation from the Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) visited the KINGS campus on the 28th. STUK is a world-class independent regulatory authority responsible for nuclear safety regulation in Finland and is internationally recognized for its high level of expertise and credibility in radioactive waste management. Notably, STUK supervises the Onkalo project, the world’s first permanent disposal facility for high-level radioactive waste.
The visit was conducted to gain insight into the operational status of nuclear education institutions in Korea and to better understand KINGS’ education and research environment. During the visit, the STUK delegation toured KINGS’ education and research facilities and received briefings on its specialized academic programs in nuclear engineering, nuclear safety, and radioactive waste management, as well as its practice-oriented research curriculum and international cooperation activities. Introductions to the research capabilities and educational activities of KINGS’ highly specialized faculty members were also provided.
STUK representatives expressed strong interest in KINGS’ systematic educational infrastructure and its industry-linked education system. Professor Gareth Law of the University of Helsinki also joined the visit and showed interest in KINGS’ academic programs and student exchange initiatives.
KINGS has recently positioned the expansion of its international education network as a core strategic priority. As the nuclear sector operates under globally harmonized safety and technical standards, KINGS plans to continue strengthening its educational competitiveness through active collaboration with a wide range of overseas institutions.
A KINGS official stated, “The visit by an internationally recognized regulatory authority provided a meaningful opportunity to objectively introduce our education system,” adding, “We will continue our efforts to create a globally competitive educational environment.”
Founded by Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) in 2014, KINGS has consistently educated master’s- and doctoral-level professionals in the nuclear field. Through close cooperation with domestic and international nuclear industry companies and research institutes, KINGS remains committed to nurturing practice-oriented nuclear professionals.
Following this visit by the STUK delegation, educational and research collaboration in the areas of nuclear safety and radioactive waste management is expected to expand further, leading to increased research activity in these fields.
A delegation led by the Vice President of Ho Chi Minh City University of Science (HCMUS), along with faculty members, visited KINGS
On December 2, 2025, the Korea Institute of Nuclear Graduate Studies (KINGS) welcomed a delegation from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Science (HCMUS), including its Vice President and faculty members, strengthening the foundation for nuclear education and research cooperation between the two countries.
This visit carries significant meaning as Vietnam has recently placed national-level emphasis on cultivating nuclear talent and securing technological capabilities. The Vietnamese government is strategically promoting the development of nuclear professionals to ensure stable future power supply and achieve carbon-neutrality goals. HCMUS, designated as one of Vietnam’s 11 specialized institutions for nuclear workforce development, plays a central role in securing talent and expanding educational infrastructure in the nuclear field. The university has faculty expertise in nuclear safety, radiation science, reactor physics, and other specialized areas, and has shown strong interest in international collaboration.
The delegation, led by Vice President Nguyen Trung Nhan, visited the KINGS campus to observe Korea’s advanced nuclear education system and hands-on training environment firsthand.
KINGS highlighted its ongoing efforts to expand cooperation with Asian countries, including Vietnam, as an international hub for nuclear talent development, emphasizing the potential for building a mutually complementary partnership in the nuclear sector.
The HCMUS delegation remarked, “KINGS is a highly systematic and specialized institution in the nuclear field, offering valuable insights for Vietnam’s nuclear workforce development policy. We look forward to further cooperation between our institutions.”
This visit is expected to solidify the cooperation framework between the two nations, which share the common goal of cultivating nuclear professionals, and contribute to advancing safe and sustainable nuclear development in the Asia-Pacific region.
Khabar 24 (Kazakhstan National TV) Promotional Video of KINGS
Kazakh Consul General in Busan Visits KINGS Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation in Education and Energy
Aslan M. Askar, Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Busan, visited the KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School(KINGS) on Tuesday, October 28. The visit aimed to explore ways to strengthen cooperation between Korea and Kazakhstan in the fields of education and energy, and to gain first-hand insight into KINGS’s system for nurturing nuclear professionals, as well as its educational and research environment. During the visit, Consul General Askar received a briefing on KINGS’s academic programs and institutional overview, followed by a campus tour of key educational facilities. He showed strong interest in KINGS’s practice-oriented curriculum and its growing international cooperation network. He also met with Kazakh students currently studying at KINGS, engaging in meaningful discussions on their experiences in Korea, career opportunities in the nuclear industry, and the importance of expanding people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
“KINGS is fostering globally competitive talents in the nuclear field and continues to broaden its international partnerships,” said Dr. Hak-kyu Lim, Acting President of KINGS. “We expect that Consul General Askar’s visit will serve as a meaningful opportunity to enhance practical collaboration and mutual development between KINGS and Kazakhstan.” In response, Consul General Aslan M. Askar stated, “I was deeply impressed by KINGS’s high-quality education programs and the passionate academic atmosphere among its students. Continued cooperation between our two countries in the areas of energy and education will greatly benefit the growth and development of future generations.” Through this visit, KINGS and the Consulate General of Kazakhstan in Busan reaffirmed the potential for collaboration in various areas, including the nuclear and energy industries, education, research, and human exchange. Both institutions agreed to maintain close communication to develop concrete cooperation plans and expand bilateral exchanges.
Consul General Askar, fluent in Russian, English, and Korean, has maintained close ties with Korea since 2011. He has introduced more than 800 Korean companies to Kazakhstan, contributing significantly to bilateral economic cooperation. Most recently, he played a pivotal role in the successful launch of the first direct flight between Busan and Almaty in August 2025.
The visit was accompanied by a crew from Kazakhstan’s national broadcaster, Khabar TV, which conducted interviews with KINGS students and faculty members. The coverage will be aired in Kazakhstan, further raising awareness and interest in KINGS and Korea’s nuclear education system.
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