- Video Series Released to Mark the 80th Anniversary of Liberation, Spotlighting Achievements and Distinguished Contributors

The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT, Minister Bae Kyunghoon), together with the Korea Foundation for Science and Creativity (KOSAC, President Jung Woo-sung) and the Korean Academy of Science and Technology (KAST, President Chung Jin-ho), has produced and released a series of video contents that revisit how the Republic of Korea has advanced and achieved self-reliance through science and technology since Liberation, highlighting the people and milestones that made this journey possible.

This project was designed to look back on 80 years of Korean science and technology, share emblematic achievements and cases of innovation, recognize honorees who devoted themselves to the nation’s scientific progress, and reexamine the historical value of science and technology and its contribution to national development.

The series released (and slated for release) comprises seven episodes, including:

“Eighty Years of Science & Technology” — a narrative of Korea’s S&T development structured around survival, self-reliance, expansion, and transformation, featuring major honorees and representative achievements;

“Giants of Korean Science and Technology” (4 episodes) — documentary-style portraits of honorees Kim Yong-gwan, Lee Won-chul, Kang Dae-won, and Hong Chang-yee;

“Stories of Scientists Descended from Independence Activists” — a reflective account, as narrated by scientists who are descendants of independence activists, linking the spirit of the independence movement with S&T achievements and Korea’s future vision;

“I’m From Science” — a talk-format variety program in which foreign residents candidly discuss Korea’s science and technology policies and compare them with those of their home countries.

The series blends archival photos and footage with documentary techniques, animation, and lively visual effects. By weaving together archival materials, on-site interviews, and dynamic graphics, it is designed to help a broad audience—from teenagers to the general public—grasp the evolution and significance of Korean science and technology in an engaging, accessible way.

MSIT expects the series to raise public understanding and interest in science and technology, inspire a spirit of innovation, and promote—domestically and internationally—Korea’s status as a nation with world-class scientific and technological capabilities, while providing an opportunity to reflect collectively on the historic significance of the 80th anniversary of Liberation.

The videos are available on MSIT’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/@withmsip), Science Friends (KOSAC’s channel; www.youtube.com/@sciencefriends_original), and KAST’s website honoring S&T Distinguished Contributors (www.koreascientists.kr).

An MSIT official noted, “This series meaningfully looks back on eight decades of Korean science and technology and shares a vision for the future. Going forward, we will continue to produce and disseminate a wide range of digital content on MSIT’s priority policies—including artificial intelligence and talent development.”

Attachments:
1.80th-Anniversary Commemorative Video — Part 1
2.Giants of Korean Science and Technology — Episode 1

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.

  Appendix 1. 80th-Anniversary Commemorative Videos

Eighty Years of Science & Technology — Korea Transformed by S&T
https://youtu.be/_r6LD_-ogRI

Giants of Korean Science and Technology (Episode 1) —The First Korean Doctor of Science Who Reclaimed Our Once-Lost Skies
https://youtu.be/xtkDAdcbK8o

The series’ four episodes are scheduled for release on August 7, August 14, August 21, and August 28.
80th Anniversary of Liberation — Stories of Scientists Descended from Independence Activists
https://youtu.be/8-nuBHmlI_E

I’m From Science — Genuine Reactions from Foreign Researchers to Korea’s Growth Story
https://youtu.be/Q6VOUqwE4ys

  Appendix 2. Giants of Korean Science and Technology

NameAffiliation and Position
(Late) Lee Won-chul (1896–1963)The 1st President, National Central Meteorological Service (Korea’s first Doctor of Science; a pioneer of meteorological administration and astronomical research)
Hong Chang-yee (1923–present)Honorary professor, Seoul National University (a dae-ui, or “great physician,” who advanced child health and championed the social responsibilities of the medical profession)
(Late) Kim Yong-gwan (1897–1967)Managing Director, Science Knowledge Distribution Association (a leader of the science-popularization movement under Japanese colonial rule; a proponent of “Establishing Science Joseon”)
(Late) Kang Dae-won (1931–1992)Research Fellow, Bell Labs, USA (a semiconductor innovator who co-developed the floating-gate MOSFET)

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.