Chung Chang-hyun, professor emeritus of nuclear engineering at Seoul National University (SNU) who is credited with laying the foundation of Korea's nuclear industry, passed away on Wednesday.
Born in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, Chung entered SNU's Department of Nuclear Engineering as the top-ranked student in 1959. He earned his doctorate in nuclear engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1970, becoming Korea's first PhD in nuclear engineering.
He joined SNU's Department of Nuclear Engineering as a professor in 1971 and devoted himself to nurturing students and conducting nuclear research until his retirement in 2006. In recognition of his contributions to the development of Korea's nuclear industry, he was awarded the Moran Medal, one of the national Orders of Service Merit. His former students now hold pivotal roles in the nuclear field.
He is survived by his wife Shin Do-hyung and their children Chung Young-wook, Chung Seung-hye, Chung Joo-hye, and Chung Joo-eun, who serve as chief mourners. The funeral hall is located at Room 31 of Seoul St. Mary's Funeral Hall (Gangnam St. Mary's Hospital). The funeral procession will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Friday.
