The Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Yoo Sang-im, hereinafter referred to as “MSIT”) and the Korea Foundation for Science and Creativity (Chairman Jung Woo-sung) announced that all eight members of the Korean team won medals (5 Gold, 3 Silver) at the 25th Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO 2025)*, marking another remarkable achievement for Korea in the international science Olympiads.
*Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO) / May 4–12, 2025, Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
At the competition, which featured 250 students from 31 countries including the host nation, the Korean team achieved the following results:
Gold Medals
Lee Yeon-ho (Seoul Science High School, 2nd year)
Lee Hyeok-jun (Seoul Science High School, 3rd year)
Jang Geun-young (Seoul Science High School, 3rd year)
Choi Jeong-min (Gyeonggi Science High School, 3rd year)
Han Ji-hyeong (Seoul Science High School, 3rd year)
Silver Medals
Lee Gwon-heon (Seoul Science High School, 2nd year)
Lee Shin-hyeok (Seoul Science High School, 2nd year)
Chae Woo-hyeon (Gyeonggi Science High School, 3rd year)
Notably, gold medalist Lee Hyeok-jun achieved the highest overall score among all participants, particularly excelling in the experimental section.
The 25th APhO consisted of a five-hour theoretical exam and a five-hour experimental exam. The theoretical section featured three problems worth a total of 30 points, while the experimental section comprised a single problem worth 20 points. This year’s theoretical questions addressed the following topics:
· Precession of the Earth’s rotational axis
· Spin waves and phase transitions
· Thermodynamics in atmospheric phenomena
The experimental problem was centered around the principles of induction heating cooktops. The assessments comprehensively evaluated participants' analytical thinking and experimental execution skills.
Shin Yong-il, Chair of the Korean Physics Olympiad Committee under the Korean Physical Society and head of the Korean delegation, remarked:
“We are proud that every member of the Korean team earned a medal. Despite their demanding academic schedules, these students have demonstrated exceptional dedication and proudly represented Korea on the international stage. I hope they will continue to pursue their dreams and develop their talents in science.”
Meanwhile, the 26th Asian Physics Olympiad is scheduled to take place in Busan, Korea, from May 17 to 25, 2026. Further information is available on the official website of the Korean Physics Olympiad Committee (https://newkpho.kps.or.kr/apho2026).
Team Leaders and Observers
· Shin Yong-il (Head of Delegation) – Seoul National University
· Kim Geun-young (Deputy Head) – Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)
· Kim Se-gwon (Observer) – Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
· Yeom Da-hyeon (Observer) – ID Quantique
· Jeong Kwang-sik (Observer) – Pusan National University
Student Participants
· Lee Gwon-heon – Seoul Science High School, 2nd year
· Lee Shin-hyeok – Seoul Science High School, 2nd year
· Lee Yeon-ho – Seoul Science High School, 2nd year
· Lee Hyeok-jun – Seoul Science High School, 3rd year
· Jang Geun-young – Seoul Science High School, 3rd year
· Chae Woo-hyeon – Gyeonggi Science High School, 3rd year
· Choi Jeong-min – Gyeonggi Science High School, 3rd year
· Han Ji-hyeong – Seoul Science High School, 3rd year
For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT.
※ Please refer to the attached PDF.