▲ (From left) President Sim Jonghyeok and Dr. Lee Seunghoon

On January 23, during the New Year's gathering of the Executive Ph.D. (E-Ph.D.) program operated by the Graduate School of Business, Dr. Lee Seunghoon (Ph.D. in Business Administration, CEO of YC Chem Co., Ltd.), a graduate of the 3rd cohort, donated a total of 400 million KRW over four years to the newly established Sogang Institute for Sustainable Management Innovation (SISMI), led by Director Park Youngseok. This fund will be utilized as the foundational resource for the institute’s core educational and research projects.

The ceremony was attended by approximately 100 participants, including President Sim Jonghyeok, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Jeon Sungyool, Dean of the Graduate School of Business Kim Dosung, E-Ph.D. Program Director Chang Youngkyun, E-Ph.D. Alumni Association President Park Jaesoon, and E-Ph.D. Women’s Alumni Association President Lee Seran.

Sogang Business School has operated the E-Ph.D. program to provide industry experts with rigorous doctoral-level academic training in management, enabling them to create systematic business knowledge and exert a positive influence on our companies and society. Since the recruitment of the 1st cohort in 2020, the program has maintained a highly competitive admission rate, attracting outstanding candidates through the 7th cohort in 2026. This year, 19 candidates from the 4th cohort were awarded their doctoral degrees. To date, the E-Ph.D. program has produced a total of 66 doctors, earning both internal and external recognition for its successful and stable establishment.

Dr. Lee Seunghoon expressed his aspirations, stating, "I will contribute to enhancing the research capabilities and the foundation of industry-academic cooperation related to sustainable management, not only for the Business School but for our entire Sogang University. I hope this fund serves as a catalyst for such growth."

President Sim Jonghyeok expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am deeply thankful for this warm donation, which reflects a profound love for Sogang even after graduation. We will provide the maximum possible support for the successful operation of the newly established Sogang Institute for Sustainable Management Innovation."

▲ Dr. Lee Seunghoon delivering the development fund.