The Hallym University Ilsong Memorial Foundation announced on the 6th that it has selected former Bank of Korea Governor Kim Joong-soo as the recipient of the 19th Ilsong Award.
The Ilsong Award was established in 2006 to honor the legacy of the late Dr. Yoon Duk-sun (pen name Ilsong), founder of Hallym University, who dedicated his life to university and medical education and healthcare service. The award is presented annually to an individual who has achieved outstanding accomplishments in the fields of medicine, education, or social service.
Former Governor Kim is an economist and former government official who served as president of the Korea Development Institute (KDI) and governor of the Bank of Korea. He contributed to economic development by leading Korea's major economic policy institutions and monetary authorities.
During the early days of the Lee Myung-bak administration, he coordinated initial economic policies as Senior Secretary to the President for Economic Affairs. As Ambassador to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), he spearheaded Korea's accession to the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC), making Korea the first country in the world to transition from aid recipient to donor nation. From 1995, he served for two years as head of the OECD Accession Preparatory Office, successfully leading negotiations for Korea's entry into the club of advanced economies.
At Hallym University, he served as the 6th, 9th, and 10th president, leading higher education reforms aimed at elevating the institution to a world-class university. As chairman of the Glocal University Committee launched in 2023, he made significant contributions by designating universities leading regional innovation as "glocal universities," providing comprehensive government support and driving bold regulatory reforms.
Song Ho-keun, director of the Doheon Academy at Hallym University and a member of the Ilsong Award Recommendation Committee, said, "Former Governor Kim has led various initiatives and reforms in the fields of education and economics, making enormous contributions to national economic development and the advancement of higher education. His achievements are recognized as instrumental in shaping both the Republic of Korea and Hallym University as they exist today."
The Ilsong Award ceremony will be held on the 10th at the International Conference Hall of Hallym University's International Convention Center.
