At the ‘Innovate Korea 2024’ event held at the Daejeon Yuseong KAIST Sports Complex on June 5 KST, KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) bestowed an honorary appointment upon BIGBANG’s G-Dragon.

His tenure will span from June 4 of this year to June 2026, encompassing two years. This prestigious appointment aims to seamlessly integrate KAIST’s cutting-edge scientific advancements into K-content and cultural industries, bolstering the global competitiveness of Korean culture.

Additionally, G-Dragon assumes the role of Global Ambassador for KAIST, contributing to the university’s international outreach efforts.

In expressing his gratitude, G-Dragon stated, “Being appointed as a visiting professor at KAIST, renowned for nurturing scientific geniuses, is a tremendous honor. I foresee exciting synergies between top-tier scientists and my entertainment background, akin to the impact of the ‘BIGBANG.’”

He also highlighted the growing trend of musicians incorporating artificial intelligence into their work, expressing his eagerness to leverage advanced technology—such as the AI avatar developed in collaboration with Galaxy Corporation and KAIST—to engage more closely with fans worldwide.

KAIST President Lee Kwang Hyung emphasized that Professor G-Dragon shares KAIST’s DNA as a trailblazer in the cultural and arts sector.

He underscored the potential of G-Dragon’s endeavors to amplify the global reach and growth of K-culture through the application of KAIST’s scientific innovations.

Furthermore, sharing G-Dragon’s experiences and visionary spirit with aspiring KAIST members aligns with the university’s pursuit of excellence.

G-Dragon’s upcoming responsibilities include delivering leadership lectures to undergraduate and graduate students, hosting cultural events to foster engagement within the KAIST community, and providing artistic experiences essential for interdisciplinary growth.

The newly established KAIST-Galaxy Corporation EnterTech Research Center within the Mechanical Engineering Department will drive research on digital twin technology for Hallyu artists, the convergence of science and K-culture, and the development of artist avatars using cutting-edge technologies like volumetric capture, motion capture, and haptics.

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Singer Steve Yoo (Yoo Seung Jun), who has been banned from entering South Korea for over two decades, continues to express his love for the country and his desire to return.

On March 21, Yoo Seung Jun posted a video on his personal account along with a cryptic caption, saying, “When one door closes, another opens. When one door opens, another closes.”

He continued, “Just because a door has opened doesn’t mean I should leave, and just because one is closed doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try to open it. I am simply walking the path my father told me to take. Whether people acknowledge it or not no longer matters to me.”

His hashtags also caught attention, as he included “I love you,” “Bless you,” “South Korea,” “Loved ones,” “Everything will be okay,” and “Korea.” Fans couldn’t help but wonder if he was once again hinting at his hope to return.

Just a few days earlier, on March 18, Yoo Seung Jun had also posted a nostalgic message about his time in South Korea.

He wrote, “December 7, 1989—13 years old (1st year of middle school). The school I attended until the day before I immigrated to the U.S. in Songpa-gu, Oju Middle School, is still the same.”

Along with his message, he shared a video of the school's walls and playground, revealing, “One of my fans filmed my middle school, which I attended until I left for the U.S., and sent me the video.”

The clip also showed scenes of his elementary school, making fans reminisce about his past in Korea.

Yoo Seung Jun was one of the most popular artists in South Korea during the 1990s, but his career took a sharp turn in 2002 when he unexpectedly left for the U.S., renounced his Korean citizenship, and became a U.S. citizen.

This led to widespread backlash, as many saw it as an attempt to evade mandatory military service. As a result, the South Korean government banned him from entering the country.

Since then, he has repeatedly taken legal action in hopes of lifting the ban. Now, with his continued efforts and heartfelt messages about Korea, many are wondering—will he finally be allowed back after 23 years?

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