A vision for Seoul National University

Joon-ho KANG

Professor, Dept. of Physical Education, Seoul National University

Ph.D. in Sport Management, University of Michigan
MBA, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
B.A. in Sport Science, Seoul National University
Academic leadership & career
Dean, College of Education, SNU2022.02 – 2026.02
Launched Learning Sciences Education and Research System
Founded the Learning Science Research Institute and an undergraduate major in Learning Sciences for the first time in Korea.
  • Enhanced teacher education. Earned an 'A' grade with the top score among 45 universities in the 6th national teacher-education evaluation, the college's best result ever.
  • Grew resources. Doubled the college budget, added three faculty lines, and established the SNU IB Education Research Center (₩1B in research funding).
  • Strengthened field training. Secured 22 partner schools for student teaching and created a scholarship for those who pass the teacher-certification exam.
Vice President for Planning and Coordination, SNU2019.02 – 2021.02
Resolved Tax Issue
Led the Tax Law Revision task force to permanently resolve SNU's largest tax challenges post-incorporation, saving over 300 billion KRW every 10 years.
300 billion KRW saved every decade
  • Redeveloped the Campus. Planned the reconstruction of the Culture Center (secured 29 billion KRW in government funds) and created the Main Gate Square and Open Grass Plaza.
  • Founded the SNU AI Committee. Established a university-wide AI committee comprising divisions for AI education, AI research, and Nakseongdae AI Valley.
  • Launched the SNU Strategic Communication Team. Created a dedicated strategic communications unit and recruited SK Telecom specialists; launched the SNU Bird Letter.
Professor, Dept. of Physical Education2001 – present
  • Director, Dream Together Master (DTM) Program, SNU. 13 years of operation, ₩25.4B in cumulative budget, graduating 260-plus next-generation sport-administration leaders from 58 countries.
  • Built the department's global standing. Secured ₩18.9B to construct the Sport & Culture Research Building, founded the Global Sport Management graduate program (40 places, 2 faculty lines), and established the SNU-KBO baseball-coaching program.
  • Former Professor, Dept. of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut
  • First Asian member, editorial board of the Journal of Sport Management
Deputy Vice President for External Affairs, SNU2010.07 – 2014.06
  • Managed overall external cooperation with the media, National Assembly, and the government
Roles, honors & service

International

  • Member, IOC Olympism365 Commission
  • International advisory member, Singapore's national sports policy
  • First Asian member, editorial board of the Journal of Sport Management (the leading journal in the field)
  • Editorial board, International Journal of Sport Finance and International Journal of Sport and Health Science
  • Former expert and advisory member, 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics Organizing Committee

Social & Public

Chairman of the Board, Chan Ho Park Foundation
A mentor to leading Korean athletes such as Chan Ho Park and Young-pyo Lee, extending sport leadership into society.
  • Government advisor to the Ministry of Economy and Finance on fiscal policy, international events, and culture-budget management; former public-institution evaluator
  • Former policy, evaluation, and regulatory-reform advisor, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
  • Former fund-review member, Korea Sports Promotion Foundation

Boards & Associations

  • Independent Director, GC (Green Cross) Corp. (current) and FILA (former)
  • Vice President and Academic Director, Korean Society for Sport Management
  • Former planning-and-finance member, Korean Sport & Olympic Committee
  • Former advisor to the KBO Commissioner
  • Former marketing committee member, World Taekwondo

Honors

SNU Excellence in Research Award (2007)
The inaugural award, forerunner of today's SNU Research Award.
  • Commendation, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education & Human Resources Development (2008)

University Service

  • Head professor, Arts & Culture Program for Creative Leaders, SNU Museum of Art
  • Steering-committee member: Arts & Culture Center, Hoam Faculty House, Global Institute for Administrative Development, and the Happiness Research Center; faculty lead for SNU in Creative CA (SWP)
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