[Keynote Speaker]

Alastair Bonnett

Newcastle University England
Professor

Alastair Bonnett is Professor of Social Geography at Newcastle University, UK. His books on global change and challenges have been translated into 19 languages and include: Off the Map; Beyond the Map; The Idea of the West; The Age of Islands; What is Geography?; Multiracism; How to be Original; and Nature’s Return: How Environmental Nostalgia is Shaping the World.

[Keynote Speaker]

Jiyoon KIM

Institute of East and West Studies, Yonsei University
Visiting Scholar

Dr. Jiyoon Kim received Ph.D. in Political Science from MIT and has extensive research experience in American Politics, elections and international affairs. She previously served as a Senior Research Fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies. Dr. Kim is currently a Visiting Professor at the Institute of East and West Studies, Yonsei University. Her primary research interests include elections and voting behavior, American politics, and political methodology. Her publications include “Political judgment, perceptions of facts, and partisan effects” (with Andre Blais, Electoral Studies, 2010), “The Party System in Korea and Identity Politics” (in Larry Diamond and Shin Giwook Eds., New Challenges for Maturing Democracies in Korea and Taiwan, Stanford University Press, 2014), and "Cognitive and Partisan Mobilization in New Democracies: The Case of South Korea" (with JY Choi and JH Roh, Party Politics, 2015). Dr. Kim is also active in the media and has interviewed former President Obama, former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster, and Dr. Daron Acemoglu, the Nobel laureate.

[Moderator]

Heesung Yun

Korea Maritime & Ocean University
Professor

Professor Yun Heesung majored in Business Administration (Maritime Finance) at Korea Maritime & Ocean University and the University of London, Bayes Business School, building his expertise through practical experience and research at major Korean corporations and the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI). He currently serves as the Dean of the Graduate School of Maritime Finance at Korea Maritime & Ocean University and oversees research and collaborative projects as the Director of the Arctic Research Centre. His primary research interests include shipping market analysis, AI-based forecasting, the economic impact of green and digital transitions, and economic feasibility assessments of Arctic shipping. He is actively engaged in initiatives to support Busan's sustainable development as a maritime capital and financial hub. He also contributes to society by leveraging his expertise in maritime finance through roles such as a board member of the public foundation "Bada-eui Pum" (Embrace of the Sea), a management innovation advisor for the Korea Ocean Business Corporation (KOBC), and a ship investment committee member for the Korea Asset Management Corporation (KAMCO). His publications include ‘Understanding and Practice of Maritime Finance’, ‘Shipping Derivatives I & II’, and ‘Shipping Market Made Easy’.

[Speaker]

Jaegeun Kwon

Panstar Enterprise Co.Ltd
CEO

Kwon Jae-Kown, CEO of Panstar Enterprise, holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Marine System Engineering from the Korea Maritime & Ocean University. He built his professional expertise through extensive experience in ship management and design engineering, having served as the Head of the European Regional Headquarters at the Korean Register of Shipping (KR) and as the founder and CEO of KR HELLAS CO., LTD. Currently, he serves as the CEO of both Panstar Enterprise Co., Ltd., and Panstar Tree Co., Ltd., where he oversees ship design and engineering operations, as well as vessel management, respectively. On August 22 of this year, he boarded the vessel Panstar Acro at the Port of Busan and traveled via the Northern Sea Route, disembarking at the Port of Felixstowe in the United Kingdom on September 12. Through his participation in this voyage, he aims to contribute to the development of policies—including necessary safety preparations and national-level support measures—related to the operation of vessels along this route.

[Speaker]

Jongchul Park

Busan Metropolitan Council
The Representative Council Member

- Legislative Aide to a Member of the 15th National Assembly of the Republic of Korea - Secretary-General, Gijang County Probation Advisory Council - Member, Special Committee on the Administrative Investigation into the Unauthorized Execution of the Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education Budget - Member, 9th Council Special Committee on Livelihood and Economic Affairs - Member, Special Committee on the Bid to Host the 2030 World Expo in Busan (Representative of Poyuyeon) - Chair, 9th Busan Metropolitan Council Special Committee on Public Safety - Advisory Member, National Unification Advisory Council (19th, 20th, 21st, and 22nd terms) - Chair, International Cooperation Subcommittee, Planning Committee for the Development of Arctic Route-Related Industries - Member, Curriculum Normalization Deliberation Committee, Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education - Member, 9th Busan Metropolitan Council Budget and Accounts Special Committee - Chair, 9th Busan Metropolitan Council Special Committee on Confirmation Hearings - Member, 9th Busan Metropolitan Council Committee on Oceans, Urban Affairs, and Public Safety - **Currently serving as a Member of the 10th Busan Metropolitan Council (People Power Party)** - Electoral District 1, Gijang County (Gijang-eup, Ilgwang-myeon, and Cheolma-myeon)

[Speaker]

Sungwoo Lee

Korea Maritime Institute
Senior Research Fellow

Dr. Lee Sung Woo majored in Urban Engineering at the University of Seoul and built his expertise by conducting research in related fields at the Institute of Seoul Studies, the Transport and Logistics Research Institute (University of Hong Kong), the Korea Maritime and Fisheries Development Institute, and the Korea-U.S. Logistics and Supply Chain Center (New Jersey, U.S.). He currently serves as a Senior Research Fellow at the Korea Maritime and Fisheries Development Institute (KOMDI) and has previously held positions as Director of the Port Logistics Research Division, Director of the Policy Trends Division, Director of the Comprehensive Policy Division, and Director of the Regional Cooperation Division. He has also served on key committees for the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Unification, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He has been actively engaged in various publishing activities, authoring over 10 books in Korean and English and publishing more than 20 papers in SSCI-indexed journals. He oversees over 100 policy research projects both domestically and internationally, as well as numerous international cooperation initiatives. His primary research areas include international logistics, supply chains, Northern logistics, and transportation geography. In addition, he has promoted overseas expansion projects for private companies in over 70 countries worldwide. He has made various contributions—which continue to this day—to government policy formulation, legislation, and projects to establish overseas logistics hubs for private companies. These include planning and executing the Korea-China-Japan Logistics Ministers’ Meeting organized by the government, drafting the first-ever bill on port hinterland zones, and formulating the National Logistics Master Plan. In particular, he has been striving to maximize the Korean Peninsula’s geostrategic advantages by transforming the geopolitical risks surrounding the peninsula into geostrategic strengths through logistics. To this end, he has established various cooperative projects and research hubs (in the U.S. and Russia) with the U.S., North Korea, China, Russia, and Japan. Currently, he serves as a consultant for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and as a visiting professor at KEAN University (U.S.). As Vice Chairman of Eurasia 21 and a member of the Economic Subcommittee of the Korea-Russia Conference, he is engaged in various activities aimed at connecting the Korean Peninsula and Eurasia through logistics.

[Speaker]

Moosung Son

Korean Register
Senior Surveyor

Moosung Son holds a bachelor’s degree in naval architecture and ocean engineering and a master’s degree in offshore engineering from Korea Maritime and Ocean University. Since joining Korean Register (KR) in 2012, he has worked on rule development and research for the safety of polar ships. He served as a co-principal investigator on a project to develop a navigation safety support system for ships operating on Arctic routes. His research has also covered hull structural safety assessment for ice-going ships, the development of core technologies for platform supply vessels operating in polar environments, and configuration design for floating offshore structures in the Arctic. Since 2017, he has served as an instructor for the basic training course for personnel serving on ships operating in polar waters at the Korea Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology. In recognition of his contributions to polar shipping and maritime safety, he received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Korea Coast Guard in 2020 and a Ministerial Commendation from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in 2025. He currently serves as a dedicated member of KR’s Arctic Route Support Team, an adviser to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ Arctic Route Development Task Force, a member of the Yeosu-Gwangyang Arctic Route Promotion Committee, and an adviser to the Korea Arctic Cooperation Network (KoNAC).

[Speaker]

Daesik Lee

RIO Institute
CEO

Dr. Lee Dae-sik majored in Russian Studies at Seoul National University and built his expertise by conducting research in related fields at institutions such as the Samsung Economic Research Institute and the Taejae Institute for Future Strategy. Dr. Lee serves as the CEO of the RIO (Russia In&Out) Institute, where he oversees the publication of *RIO*, a monthly magazine on Russia and Eurasia, as well as joint research projects and international cooperation initiatives both domestically and abroad. His primary research areas include Russian and CIS regional studies, global geopolitics, and geoeconomics. He has contributed to the formulation of South Korea’s Northern Policy by serving as an expert advisor to the Presidential Committee on Northern Economic Cooperation, among other roles. Currently, as a visiting professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and vice chairman of the Eurasia 21 Foundation, he is actively contributing to international cooperation and policy development between South Korea and Eurasian nations.

[Speaker]

Halyong Jang

Busan Development Institute (BDI)
Senior Research Fellow

Dr. Ha-Lyong Jang received his B.S. and M.S. in Coast Guard Engineering and his Ph.D. in Mechatronics Engineering from Korea Maritime & Ocean University. He built his expertise as a Republic of Korea Navy officer, a marine policy official of Busan Metropolitan City, and head professor at the Korea Port Training Institute. Dr. Jang is currently a Senior Research Fellow at the Busan Development Institute (BDI), where he previously headed the Ocean & Logistics Research Department and the Future Strategy & Planning Office. His research interests include maritime, port, and logistics policy, Arctic shipping routes, and the competitiveness of global maritime cities. Most recently, he led A Development Strategy for Busan’s Arctic Shipping Corridor Industries (2026), the first local-level integrated policy study under Korea’s new special act on the Arctic shipping route, which proposes five strategic pillars and a phased roadmap to develop Busan into a hub city of the Arctic shipping corridor economy. He also serves on the Planning Committee of the World Ocean Forum (WOF) and has contributed to international cooperation and policy development in the maritime and Arctic fields, including as a member of the Korean delegation to the Arctic Circle Assembly.

[Moderator]

Dongkeun Ryoo

Korea Maritime & Ocean University
President

Dr. Dong Keun Ryoo is a maritime educator and university leader with an academic background in shipping management and international transport. He earned a B.A. in Shipping Management from Korea Maritime and Ocean University, followed by an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Shipping Management and International Transport from the University of Wales Cardiff, United Kingdom. His academic experience in Korea and the United Kingdom has provided a foundation for his expertise in shipping and logistics. As a Visiting Professor at Cardiff University, he also gained experience in an international teaching and research environment. He currently serves as the ninth President of Korea Maritime and Ocean University, overseeing education, research, and the administration of a university specializing in maritime and ocean fields. Before becoming President, he served as Director of the Institute for Global Maritime Development within the International College and Director of the Office of International Affairs. These roles brought together maritime research and the practical work of university international cooperation, providing a foundation for his subsequent leadership of the university. Beyond the university, Dr. Ryoo’s work extends to maritime industry institutions and higher education networks. He has served as Chairman of the Board of the Korea Marine Equipment Research Institute since 2024. He also chaired the Council of Presidents of National Universities for Maritime and Fisheries Development and the Council of University Presidents of the Busan–Ulsan–Gyeongnam–Jeju Region. These responsibilities have broadened his engagement across maritime research institutions, universities, and regional higher education. His public advisory roles have connected his academic expertise with policy discussions, including service on the Policy Research Review Committee and the Shipping and Logistics Division of the Policy Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. He also served on the Presidential Committee on Local Autonomy Development, as Vice President of the Korean Institute of Navigation and Port Research, and as a Board Member of the Korean Association of Shipping and Logistics. He received a commendation from the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries in 2016 and was listed in Marquis Who’s Who in the World in 2014 and 2016.

[Keynote Speaker]

Liz Ferguson

Ocean Science Analytics
CEO

Liz Ferguson is a Marine Ecologist and Educator with 20 years of experience in the education and research communities of San Diego, California. She is the founder of Ocean Science Analytics, a marine and environmental science consulting firm, and holds an M.S. in General Biology along with a formal GIS Specialist certification. Throughout her career, Liz has combined technical rigor with a strong commitment to translating complex marine science for broader audiences, bridging research, industry, and public understanding of ocean systems. Liz's technical foundation was built on NOAA research vessels, where she worked as a passive acoustic monitoring technician using linear towed hydrophone arrays to localize marine mammal species for density and abundance surveys, as well as tagging studies, across the Gulf of Mexico, the Eastern Tropical Pacific, and the Pacific Northwest. That early hands-on experience with acoustic data collection and post-processing tools laid the groundwork for the large-scale dataset processing she leads today. In recent years, Liz has driven the evolution of passive acoustic monitoring toward deep learning, developing DeepAcoustics, a GUI-based tool for automated multi-class whale call detection. She is also involved in a project validating time-synchronized recorders used in sparse array localization, which also relies on intuitive tools for processing large datasets. Central to her approach is preserving a human in the loop throughout automated workflows, ensuring that AI-accelerated processing still produces informed, validated results that researchers can trust. Beyond her acoustics work, Liz applies her GIS and remote sensing expertise to habitat characterization, integrating satellite-derived environmental variables, including NASA PACE mission data, to study the physical drivers of marine megafauna distribution. She also develops accessible GUI-based tools that lower the barrier for other researchers to work with bioacoustic and geospatial data. An active educator, Liz serves as an Adjunct Instructor at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) and San Diego Miramar College, where she teaches GIS and biological statistics, extending her technical work into the training of the next generation of ocean scientists.

[Roundtable]

Youngok Kim

HD Hyundai
CAIO(Chief AI Officer)

Youngok Kim serves as Chief AI Officer (CAIO) of HD Hyundai. With an academic background in Artificial Intelligence and more than 20 years of experience applying AI and digital transformation to the manufacturing sector, he is a seasoned expert in Manufacturing AI and AI Transformation (AX). Throughout his career, he has built extensive expertise in Manufacturing AI, combining hands-on experience across diverse manufacturing processes with a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges involved in industrial AI adoption. His expertise spans both the theoretical and practical aspects of full-stack AI, from AI foundations and data to real-world deployment in complex industrial environments. He currently leads the Manufacturing Group within the Industrial AX Division of Korea’s National AI Strategy Committee, where he contributed to the development of the “Manufacturing AI 2030 Strategy” aimed at strengthening Korea’s global manufacturing competitiveness. At HD Hyundai, he is driving AI adoption across the shipbuilding and marine, construction equipment, and energy sectors, while also promoting joint research and international collaboration in Manufacturing AI. In addition, he serves as a Future Strategy Advisor to Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT, contributing to strategic discussions on the nation’s long-term growth and the development of sustainable future industries.

[Track 2 Moderator]

Yoowon Lee

Pukyong National University
Professor

Dr. [Yoo-Won Lee] received a degree in [Fishing Science] from [Hokkaido University] and has built expertise in the field through research positions at [Pukyoung National University] and [Korea Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology]. Dr. [Lee] is currently a [Professor] at [Pukyong National University] and also serves as the [Dean] of [College of Fisheries Sciences] and [Director] of [Institute of Fisheries Sciences], leading international collaborative research and cooperation initiatives. His primary research interests include [Fishing Vessel Safety Management], [Safety of Fisher during Fishing Operation], and [Risk Assessment]. In addition, Dr. [Lee] has planned and implemented international cooperation and Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects, contributing to capacity building and the development of sustainable management systems in [Western Pacific Island Nations/Republic of Fiji and Republic of Palau].

[Panelist]

Kisuc Kim

AGAVITA
CEO

Kisuc Kim has built his professional expertise in the commercialization and field deployment of advanced technologies through his experience in autonomous driving and AI-based mobility. He worked at GM (General Motors) Cruise in the United States and HMG (Hyundai Motor Group) 42dot in Korea, where he was involved in autonomous driving validation and verification, operational systems, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and the commercialization of autonomous mobility services. He is currently the Founder and CEO of AGAVITA and a Ph.D. student in Fisheries Physics at Pukyong National University. His work focuses on the convergence of fisheries and artificial intelligence, particularly Vision AI technologies for smart aquaculture. At AGAVITA, he leads the development of underwater fish recognition, non-contact biomass estimation, and behavioral analysis technologies for high-value aquaculture species, particularly Pacific bluefin tuna, as well as initiatives to standardize aquaculture production data. Kim is expanding AGAVITA’s field validation and international collaboration with fisheries and aquaculture organizations in Korea, Japan, Spain, Norway, Russia, and other countries. He also collaborates with research organizations, including the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), on fisheries data standardization and AI-driven innovation in the fisheries and aquaculture industries.

[Panelist]

Kyungchan Kim

NVC Partners Co. Ltd.
CEO

Dr. Kyungchan Kim earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). He also holds a Master of Engineering Management from Northwestern University’s McCormick School of Engineering and an MBA in Finance and Marketing from the Kellogg School of Management. Dr. Kim has extensive professional experience in new business development, venture investment, and mergers and acquisitions at major Korean corporations, including SK Group and GS Group. He has also worked as a professional analyst and investor at financial institutions such as the Hana Institute of Finance of Hana Financial Group and Donghoon Investment. Since 2018, Dr. Kim has served as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of NVC Partners Co., Ltd., one of Busan’s leading venture capital firms. In particular, through the management of multiple marine emerging-industry funds and fisheries venture funds, he has contributed to the growth of startups and mid-sized companies in the marine and fisheries sectors.

[Panelist]

Agnes Kisaka Meena

Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries
Permanent Secretary

[Moderator]

Solrip Park

Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
Team Leader

[Moderator]

Youngtae Chang

Inha University
Professor Emeritus

Young-Tae Chang is a logistics economist with more than 40 years of experience in research, education, and policy practice in the field of international logistics. He served as President of the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI) and as a professor at the Graduate School of Logistics and the Asia Pacific School of Logistics at Inha University. He is currently Professor Emeritus at Inha University. He founded the Global University 8 Consortium (GU8), an international network for education and research collaboration among leading universities, and the Asia Logistics Round Table (ALRT), and served as the founding Secretary-General of GU8. In the field of international logistics, he has participated in 73 research projects in Korea and abroad and has published 69 articles in internationally recognized academic journals as well as 12 English-language books as author or editor. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Seoul National University, master’s degrees from Yonsei University and the World Maritime University, and a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Yonsei University.

[Speaker]

Hyunjung Shim

KAIST (Kim Jaechul Graduate School of AI)
Associate Professor

Dr. Hyunjung Shim received her B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Yonsei University and her M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. She built her research expertise in computer vision and AI through positions at Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology, and subsequently served as Assistant and Associate Professor at Yonsei University's School of Integrated Technology. Dr. Shim currently serves as an Associate Professor at the Kim Jaechul Graduate School of AI, KAIST, where she leads the Computer Vision and Machine Learning (CVML) Laboratory. Her primary research interests include vision-language foundation models, deep generative models, 3D vision, and trustworthy AI. In addition, Dr. Shim contributes to the global computer vision community through active editorial and organizational leadership. She serves as an Associate Editor of IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence (TPAMI) and as Program Chair of the Asian Conference on Computer Vision (ACCV) 2026, and has served as Area Chair for top-tier AI conferences including CVPR, ICCV, ECCV, and NeurIPS. Dr. Shim also serves on domestic academic committees, including the Korean Conference on Computer Vision (KCVS) and the AI Society of the Korean Institute of Information Scientists and Engineers, and served as an Independent Director of Dongwon Industries from 2024 till now contributing her expertise across both academic and industry settings.

[Panelist]

Hyongmo Jeon

Korea Maritime Institute
Director General / Research Fellow Marine & Fisheries AX Directorate

Dr. Hyongmo Jeon received a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Kyung Hee University and a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Lehigh University. After serving as a Research Professor at Korea University, he joined the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI) in 2009. There he built his expertise in maritime and fisheries technology and policy as head of several divisions, including Research Planning & Cooperation, Innovative Growth, Ocean & Fisheries 4.0, International Development Cooperation, and AI Analytics. Dr. Jeon is currently a Senior Research Fellow at KMI and serves as Director General of the Marine & Fisheries AX Directorate, leading research on policies and strategies for AI transformation across the ocean, fisheries, shipping and port sectors. His primary research interests include maritime and fisheries AX strategy, data-driven ocean knowledge industries, and innovation clusters and industry-academia-research cooperation. In addition, Dr. Jeon has conducted research that connects technology and policy. His work ranges from technological innovation in industry, such as port automation, IoT and big-data-based safety systems, and smart containers, to future strategies and national master plans for the maritime and fisheries sector. More recently, he has been developing strategies that link data spaces, innovation clusters, and AI validation and commercialization. He is also building generative AI and knowledge-graph systems for supply chain analysis and research support, with the aim of advancing how policy research is done. Dr. Jeon currently serves as an advisory member on Maritime and Fisheries AX for the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of Korea. He was also an Adjunct Professor at the Graduate School of International Studies, Pusan National University (2019–2025), and continues to contribute to policy development and talent building in the field.

[Panelist]

Wonkyung Ryu

KOREA ELECTRONICS ASSOCIATION
Executive Director

Executive Director Won-Kyung, RYU majored in Analytical Chemistry at Dankook University Graduate School and built his expertise by conducting research on the cross-industry application of cutting-edge technologies, including roles at the Convergence Planning Department of the Korea Electronics Association (KEA). He currently serves as the Head of the Technology Innovation Division at KEA, overseeing government and corporate support initiatives while managing the Patent & Component Support Department, Electronics Manufacturing Center, Digital Distribution Center, and XR Convergence Center. He also plans and executes various new government projects; notably, he is currently leading the "Tech-GPT" project, which utilizes generative AI to provide companies and researchers with essential information regarding technologies, talent, and enterprises. Additionally, he serves as an expert for the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) technical committees TC111 and TC59, and contributes to international cooperation and policy development—including through his role as Chair of the Home Appliance AI Standardization Committee within the M.AX Alliance.

[Panelist]

Kanghee An

Busan Port Authority
Director

Kanghee An, Director at Busan Port Authority(BPA), studied Information Engineering in the Division of Maritime Transportation Science at Korea Maritime and Ocean University. He has developed extensive professional experience in the maritime and port sectors through his work at Hanjin Shipping and Hanjin New Port Co.. He currently serves as Head of the Digital AI Department at Busan Port Authority (BPA), overseeing the Authority’s digital transformation (DX) and AI transformation (AX) initiatives. His key responsibilities include the development and operation of ChainPortal, Busan Port’s integrated digital logistics platform, and the advancement of AI-driven port operations. He is also leading various projects, including the development of a truck weight information platform and pilot demonstrations integrating land transport with port operations, the development of autonomous-driving-based smart port mobility technologies, and the integration of vessel arrival and departure information with global ports.

[Panelist]

Chansu Jeon

Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
Director

[Moderator]

Kwanghean An

Legal Research Institute, Korea University
Distinguished Research Fellow

President An Kwang-hean (born in 1960) earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kyung Hee University (1983) and his Master’s degree in Thermal-Fluid Engineering from Hongik University (1985). He is currently enrolled in a dual doctoral program—pursuing a Ph.D. in AI Convergence Engineering at aSSIST University (Seoul School of Integrated Sciences and Technologies) and a DBA in Management at Switzerland SDG MS. In addition, he completed the CEO Executive MBA program at Ulsan University Graduate School of Business, the CEO Advanced Humanities program at Korea Maritime & Ocean University Graduate School of International Studies, and the Advanced Program in Shipping, Shipbuilding, Logistics, and Fisheries at Korea University School of Law. President An has served as President and CEO of world-leading shipbuilding and marine corporations, including HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., Ltd., and HD Hyundai Marine Solution Co., Ltd. Recognized as a world-class expert in the shipbuilding, maritime, logistics, and energy sectors, he is a global leader who oversaw the "Eco-friendly Marine Engineering & Energy Solution" business and spearheaded the era of carbon neutrality. He is also the driving force behind the development of "HiMSEN," Korea’s first independently developed marine engine capturing over a 45% market share in the global vessel market. Active across both industry and academia, he is a regular member of the Society of Naval Architects of Korea and the Korean Society of Marine Engineering, a technical committee member of the Korean Register (KR), and the President of the CIMAC Korea National Committee. Currently, he is active in various fields—leading the reduction of greenhouse gas technologies and driving global ESG management to address ecosystem shifts and eco-friendly climate change in the shipbuilding and marine industry amid the era of the AI Grand Transformation, which is of paramount global interest. Currently serving as a Senior Research Fellow at the Korea University Legal Research Institute, he is also engaged in maritime law research in preparation for autonomous ship global navigation in the era of the AIX (AI Transformation) Grand Transformation.

[Speaker]

Kangki Lee

CIMAC
President

Professor Dr. Kang-Ki LEE is currently Managing Director of Zollner Energy Systems GmbH in Kiel, Germany. In parallel, he serves as President of the Korea Foundation of Combustion Engines (KOFCE & CIMAC NMA Korea, (사) 한국내연기관협회장) and as an Affiliate Professor at Klaipeda University, contributing to the EU Erasmus++ program. He is currently active in the CIMAC GHG Strategy WG and serves as Advisor to the CEO of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller Center and on the R&D Steering Committee of TU Graz. He earned his PhD in Maritime Energy Management from WMU, Sweden. He studied Industrial Management at Seoul National University in 2007 and completed MAN Group’s executive management program in cooperation with WHU, Germany, and Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, UK (2007–2010). Research interests focus on energy and emissions, including decarbonization, greenhouse gases & LCA, and future technologies for logistics and transportation. His projects include the world’s first LNG-fueled bulk carrier developed under the IMO IGF Code.

[Speaker]

Donghyoung Lee

National Research Council of Science & Technology
Program Director

Dr. Dong Hyoung Lee received his Ph.D. in Nuclear and Quantum Engineering from KAIST and has extensive experience in national nuclear technology strategy and large-scale R&D program planning at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI). He served as the Vice President of the R&D program for Fundamental Technologies of Marine Molten Salt Reactor (MSR), leading the development of key enabling technologies and research activities for the application of MSR technology to the maritime sector. He currently serves as Program Director (PD) of the K-Moonshot SMR Ship Mission at the National Research Council of Science and Technology (NST), where he oversees the overall mission, including technology development, safety validation, demonstration, and licensing strategies for MSR-based SMR ships. As Program Director, Dr. Lee places particular emphasis on promoting the convergence of nuclear technology with shipbuilding and marine engineering and on establishing strong collaboration among Korean shipbuilders, construction companies, government-funded research institutes, and universities. Through these efforts, he is working to establish an integrated development framework that connects design, verification, demonstration, licensing, and commercialization, while laying the foundation for the commercialization of maritime nuclear technologies and the creation of a new industrial ecosystem.

[Speaker]

Byeongyong Yoo

HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering
Executive Vice President

Byeongyong Yoo is responsible for marine energy infrastructure technology development at the Green Energy Research Lab of the Advanced Research Institute, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering. He currently serves as an executive vice president at the Green Energy Research Lab of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, where he contributes to technology strategy and research and development in LNG-, hydrogen-, and ammonia-based energy transition and floating data centers. His main areas of interest include the LNG value chain and new equipment, hydrogen- and ammonia-based energy transition, floating data centers, digital twin development for new energy marine platforms, and analysis of global policies and technology strategies. He also develops insights to help define green energy technology development directions and reviews technology collaboration models, contributing to the establishment of a foundation for commercializing related technologies.

[Speaker]

Dongjin Yeo

Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO)
Principal researcher

Dr. Dong Jin Yeo earned his degrees in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering from Seoul National University and has built over 20 years of expertise through research in the naval architecture and ocean engineering field at the Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO). Dr. Yeo is currently a Principal Researcher at KRISO. He participated in the Korea Autonomous Surface Ship (KASS) R&D project (conducted from 2020 to 2025), where he led the development of the Navigation Expert system for MASS Operation (NEMO) as well as the development of verification systems and processes for intelligent navigation systems of MASS. In addition, he serves as the Head of Technology Management Team of Integrated Project Office for the " AI-Driven Autonomous Ship Technology Development Project"—a multi-ministerial R&D initiative recently launched by the Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources (MOTIR) and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF)— where he coordinates the integration and coordination of core technologies developed across the project. Dr. Yeo is also actively engaged in international and domestic communities. He has served as a member of the Maneuvering Committee of the International Towing Tank Conference (ITTC), serves as an editorial board of International Journal of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering(IJNAOE), and acts as a Project Leader for the ISO Smart Shipping Subcommittee (ISO/TC 8/SC 26), thereby contributing significantly to the advancement of the global and domestic naval architecture and ocean engineering fields.

[Speaker]

Hwasup Jang

KOREAN REGISTER
Head(Senior Vice President)

He serves as Head of the AI Convergence Technology Center at the Korean Register (KR), where he oversees the development of autonomous ship technologies, AI agents, ship design automation agents, and XR technologies. In the field of autonomous ships in particular, he has led the development of AI verification and certification technologies as well as fault diagnosis and prediction technologies, which are provided as services to the maritime industry.

[Panelist]

Changhee Lee

Korea Maritime & Ocean University
Professor, Division of Navigation Convergence Studies

Professor Chang-Hee Lee is a faculty member at Korea Maritime & Ocean University, specializing in maritime law, marine insurance, maritime contracts, and maritime policy. His academic research focuses on legal and regulatory issues in the shipping and shipbuilding industries, particularly maritime contracts and insurance involving war risks, polar navigation contracts and marine insurance, international shipbuilding contracts, maritime safety management, and international maritime regulations. Professor Lee currently serves as Director of the Maritime Training Center at Korea Maritime & Ocean University, where he is engaged in advancing maritime education and training in accordance with international standards established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). His work emphasizes the quality of maritime education under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), onboard training, professional competency development, and the integration of green and digital technologies into maritime education and training systems. His primary research interests include maritime law, marine insurance, war risks and maritime contracts, polar shipping and insurance contracts, international shipbuilding contracts, maritime safety, maritime artificial intelligence, data governance, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management, and sustainable maritime development. In particular, his research examines contractual obligations and insurance liability arising from geopolitical risks and armed conflicts, contractual risk allocation and insurance coverage limitations in Arctic shipping, and legal liability and dispute resolution under international shipbuilding contracts. Professor Lee also conducts research on strengthening the international competitiveness of the shipbuilding industry in connection with the MASGA (Make American Shipbuilding Great Again) initiative, with particular emphasis on Korea–U.S. shipbuilding cooperation, global maritime supply chain restructuring, international industrial partnerships, and maritime workforce development. His research further addresses the legal and policy implications of green transformation (GX), digital transformation (DX), artificial intelligence transformation (AX), and robotic transformation (RX), including maritime decarbonization, ESG-based sustainability, autonomous vessels, legal liability, and risk management associated with emerging maritime technologies. In addition, Professor Lee contributes to international maritime cooperation, industry–academia collaboration, and the development of future maritime professionals, with the aim of advancing sustainable maritime innovation, maritime education, and legal and regulatory frameworks for the global shipping and shipbuilding industries.

[Panelist]

Hanseon Park

Korea Maritime Institute
Senior Research Fellow

Dr. Han-Seon Park is a Senior Research Fellow at the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI). He holds an M.Sc. in Maritime Safety and Environmental Administration from the World Maritime University (WMU) and a Ph.D. in Maritime Law and Policy from Korea Maritime and Ocean University. Before joining KMI, he worked as a marine engineer and ship surveyor for nearly 20 years. With over 26 years of experience in IMO affairs, he has participated in major IMO meetings, including MEPC, MSC, LEG and the IMO Assembly, as a member of the Republic of Korea delegation and an international maritime expert. He has also served as Chair of an IMO MASS Code working group, Chair of the IMO Expert Committee, a Steering Committee member for the Fifth IMO GHG Study, and an IMO GHG-SMART Subject Matter Expert. His expertise covers maritime decarbonization, IMO GHG regulations, maritime safety, green ships and Green Shipping Corridors, MASS, advanced maritime mobility, and international cooperation. He has served as Principal Investigator for major maritime legislation, national master plans and government strategies, including those related to green shipping corridors, eco-friendly ships, maritime safety, maritime mobility and shipping decarbonization. In Korea, he has served on various government policy advisory and review committees covering MASS, maritime policy, maritime safety and shipping, and previously served as an Expert Member of the Presidential National Council on Climate and Air Quality and Chair of KMI’s Research Ethics Committee. Dr. Park currently serves as Vice President of the Korea Mobility Society and the Korean Society of Maritime Law. He is also actively engaged in policy and academic research, with numerous publications in SCI/SCIE and Korean academic journals on maritime decarbonization, digitalization and autonomous shipping.

[Panelist]

Daesik Seo

HMM
Senior Manager

Daesik Seo majored in Marine Engineering at Mokpo National Maritime University and has over 8 years of experience as a marine engineer (1st Engineer). He has been working at the HMM headquarters for over 12 years, leveraging his extensive experience. During his tenure, he is also pursuing a Ph.D. in Marine System Engineering at Korea Maritime and Ocean University. Currently, he is serving as the Senior Manager of the Technology & Innovation Institute at HMM, where he primarily conducts reviews and demonstrations of eco-friendly ship technologies. His main responsibilities include ballast water treatment systems, compliance with SOx and NOx emission regulations, improvement of ship energy efficiency, eco-friendly alternative fuels, onboard carbon capture technology, and wind-assisted propulsion systems. Notably, he has conducted the first domestic demonstration of biofuel and onboard carbon capture technology on ships.

[Panelist]

Jungchul Bae

Pukyong National University
Visiting Professor

Dr. Jungchul Bae 1. Core Research & Technical Expertise • Eco-Friendly & Carbon Reduction Marine Equipment: Advancing eco-friendly ship facilities and $CO_2$ reduction technologies to comply with tightening International Maritime Organization (IMO) environmental regulations. • Autonomous Ship Equipment: Spearheading the localization of intelligent navigation, communication systems, and marine communication engineering-based equipment for the future maritime mobility paradigm. • Smart Maritime Technology Management: Establishing strategic R&D frameworks for advanced ICT convergence, including Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) and Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) for marine systems. 2. Global International Cooperation & ODA Projects • Sustainable Development for Developing Nations: Planning and executing Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects focused on capacity building and sustainable maritime-shipbuilding infrastructure in developing countries. • Global R&D Networks: Building international joint research frameworks and technical cooperation networks to pave the way for South Korean marine equipment enterprises to expand globally. 3. Policy Advisory & Technical Consulting • Korea Export-Import Bank Technical Expert: Contributing to national maritime finance and policy development through rigorous technical evaluations and risk assessments for shipbuilding and marine projects. • Industry Advisory Services: Providing strategic technical guidance and defining R&D roadmaps for marine equipment leaders like SB Sunbo Group as an External Advisor.

[Host]

Minsu Kim

Korea Maritime Institute (KMI)
Director General

Dr. Kim, Minsu obtained his Ph.D. in International Law from Korea University. He studied as a visiting scholar at the University of Washington (2010) and Shanghai Maritime University (2013). Currently, he is the Deputy President at the Korea Maritime Institute, in charge of Ocean Economy Strategy Department. Dr. Kim serves in various roles including Policy Research Review Committee Member of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Vice President of the Polar Technology Research Association, Director of the Korea Society of Law of the Sea, Director of External Cooperation of the Korean Association of Eurasian Studies, Planning Committee Member of the World Ocean Forum, and Head of the Policy Division of the Korea Arctic Research Consortium (KoARC). Additionally, he has held the position of Distinguished Professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. Dr. Kim has participated as a government delegation member in APEC TRP, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Meetings of States Parties, the Arctic Circle, and Arctic Frontiers. He is actively involved in research and projects for establishing national marine and polar policies.

[Moderator]

Kitack Lee

POSTECH
Professor

Professor Kitack Lee received his Ph.D. in Oceanography from the University of Miami and built his expertise in ocean science through research positions at the University of Miami and the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) in the United States, where he worked as a postdoctoral researcher and senior researcher. Professor Lee is currently a Professor in the Division of Environmental Science and Engineering at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), where he also serves as Department Chair. He has conducted extensive research in ocean science and has published a total of 153 research papers, including four papers in Science and two in Nature. As of October 2026, his publications have received approximately 15,798 citations in Scopus, and his H-index is 51. In 2019, Professor Lee became the first Korean scientist to be elected an AGU Fellow by the American Geophysical Union (AGU). AGU Fellow is a prestigious honor recognizing researchers who have made outstanding and sustained scientific contributions in the Earth and space sciences, with no more than 0.1% of the AGU membership elected each year. More recently, he was selected as an AGU College of Fellows Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS) Lecturer, a distinction awarded through a separate selection process among AGU Honorees, including AGU Fellows. As a DLS Lecturer, he represents AGU in sharing his research achievements and scientific knowledge with students and researchers around the world, further recognizing his outstanding research accomplishments and academic impact on the international stage. Professor Lee also served as the founding President of the Korean Academy of Oceanography from 2021 to 2024 and served as a member of the Presidential Commission on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth from 2021 to 2022. Through these activities, he has contributed his expertise in ocean science to national policy development and the advancement of the academic community. His major honors include the Order of Service Merit, Moran Medal, awarded in 2024, and the Jang Bogo Grand Award from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in 2020 in recognition of his contributions to raising the international standing of Korean ocean science through his selection as an AGU Fellow. He has also received the Scientist of the Month Award in 2015 and the Proud Postechian Award in 2011. In 2017, his research on the effects of nitrogen pollutants on marine ecosystems was selected as one of the “30 Outstanding Research Achievements of POSTECH’s 30-Year History.

[Speaker]

Alison Clausen

UNESCO-IOC
Deputy Coordinator, Ocean Decade

Alison Clausen joined IOC as a programme specialist in 2019 with over twenty years’ professional experience in program and project development and management in the areas of marine conservation, marine policy, and climate change adaptation. Before joining IOC she was based in Madagascar, where she worked throughout the Western Indian Ocean region for the World Bank and most recently as the Regional Director for the Madagascar and Western Indian Ocean program of the Wildlife Conservation Society. Prior to that she lived in Vietnam where she worked through South East Asia for a range of development banks, UN agencies and NGO partners. She is currently playing a lead role in the implementation of the Ocean Decade

[Speaker]

James Jolliffe

OECD
Economist and Policy Analyst

James Jolliffe is an OECD economist whose work explores how the ocean economy is evolving and how science, policy and innovation can shape its future. He leads the OECD’s work on ocean economy statistics and quantitative projections, contributing to ocean policy analysis and the OECD’s support for countries, helping governments better understand the scale, performance, and long-term prospects of their ocean economies. His work examines the economic, technological, and policy forces likely to influence the ocean economy in the decades ahead. James is a lead author of the OECD’s 2025 report, The Ocean Economy to 2050, and the forthcoming Ocean Economy at a Glance 2026.

[Panelist]

Kwangyeol Park

Korea Institute of Aids to Navigation CI
Former President

Park Kwang-yeol graduated from Kyonggi University with a degree in Public Administration and earned a master’s degree in Maritime Policy from the University of Wales. He held several senior positions in the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, including Spokesperson and Director-General for Maritime Safety, and served as Chief of the Incheon and Busan Regional Offices of Oceans and Fisheries. He later served as Executive Director of the Management Planning Division at the Korea Ocean Business Corporation and as President of the Korea Institute of Aids to Navigation.

[Moderator]

Yulseing Kim

Korea Maritime & Ocean University
Professor

Dr. YUL-SEONG KIM received a degree in Logistics System Engineering from Korea Maritime & Ocean University and has built expertise in the field through research positions at Busan Development Institute. Dr. YUL-SEONG KIM is currently a professor at Korea Maritime & Ocean University and also serves as the Dean of the Graduate School of Global Logistics, leading international collaborative research and cooperation initiatives. His primary research interests include Logistics, Port Management. In addition, Dr. YUL-SEONG KIM has planned and Shipping & Port Development and Ocean Capital projects, contributing to capacity building and the development of sustainable management systems in Busan Korea. Dr. YUL-SEONG KIM currently serves as a member of Committee in Busan City and MOF, contributing to policy development in the field.

[Speaker]

Yoonsoo Hur

Busan Development Institute
Senior Research Fellow

Dr. Yoon-Soo Heo currently serves as a senior research fellow at the Busan Development Institute. He previously served as Vice President, Director of the Planning and Coordination Office, and Director of the Marine Tourism Research Division. From 2000 to 2001, he worked as a full-time research fellow at the Institute of International Maritime Affairs at Korea Maritime and Ocean University, after which he joined the Busan Development Institute, where he has worked ever since. His work includes research related to the development of Port & Logistics in Busan, and making the urban planning related to Busan’s Logistics and Port. He also supports the local government for planning the Ocean Industry development for growing the economy of Busan. He also He also researched Busan's Arctic policy, including development of Arctic resources and shipping routes. He has published a large number of papers, articles, books and monographs on Logistic strategy, Busan port, Ocean industry. He got the education from BA to PH.D in Korea Maritime University in department of Logistics System Engineering.

[Speaker]

Jiyeon Choi

Korea Maritime Institute
Associate Research Fellow

Dr. Jiyeon Choi studied geography at Kyung Hee University and has built her expertise in coastal and marine policy through research at the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI). She served as KMI’s Deputy President for Marine Research from February 2022 to May 2025. Dr. Choi is currently an Associate Research Fellow in KMI’s Marine Research Division. Her primary research interests include the coastal economy, global ocean cities, maritime cultural branding, coastal and marine cooperation, global ocean governance, and international cooperation. She is currently undertaking research projects on Establishing a Coastal Economy Innovation Platform and Strategies for Cultural and Tourism Development in the Maritime Capital Region. In addition, Dr. Choi has conducted major policy and international cooperation studies, including Development Strategies for New Coastal and Marine Economic Regions(2021), Strategies for Strengthening Korea–ASEAN Maritime Cooperation (2025), and Developing Marine and Fisheries Initiatives to Advance Korea as a Global Ocean Nation (2025). She has also led the formulation of numerous national plans for coastal and marine affairs. Dr. Choi currently serves on the Central Coastal Management Deliberative Council of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Yeosu Expo Post-Utilization Committee, contributing to coastal and maritime policy development. She previously served as a non-executive director of both the Korea Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology and the National Ocean Science Museum

[Panelist]

Samhyun Cho

Dept. 0f Smart Port logistics Dong-Eui Univ
Professor

Professor Sam-Hyun Cho majored in International Logistics at Korea Maritime and Ocean University and built his expertise through research at the Busan Institute, the Korea Railroad Research Institute of Korea Railroad Corporation, and the Davos Maritime Economic Research Institute. He is currently serving as a professor (and department chair) in the Department of Smart Port Logistics at Dong-Eui University, as well as the Director of the Dong-Eui University Distribution and Logistics Research Institute and the Davos Maritime Economic Research Institute. In these roles, he oversees domestic and international joint research and international cooperation projects. His main research fields include shipping, ports, rail, and air logistics. In addition, he has been actively involved in planning and supporting projects to foster a global logistics hub centered on the Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone, while also promoting various initiatives to develop Busan into a global Hub Tri-Port. At present, he serves as a non-executive director of the Gaduk-Do New Airport Construction Corporation, and contributes to international cooperation and policy development as a member of the Overseas Business Risk Management Committee of the Busan Port Authority and as an advisor to the Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone.

[Panelist]

Myounghee Kim

Busan Finance Center
Director Of Maritime & Digital Finance Center

Dr. Myoung-Hee Kim received her Ph.D. in Shipping Management(specializing in Finance) from Korea Maritime & Ocean University and has built expertise in the field through teaching and research at Korea Maritime & Ocean University (KMOU) and Busan Finance Center (BFC). Dr. Kim is currently a Center Director of Maritime & Digital Finance Center at BFC, leading policy research and domestic and international collaborative cooperation initiatives. Her primary research interests include Maritime Finance, Digital Finance, and Financial Center. In addition, Dr. Kim has supported and implemented various initiatives, including Busan Metropolitan City Logistics Policy Committee, Strategic Industry Working Group, KORMARINE Conference, Marine Money Busan, and Busan Maritime Finance Week contributing to capacity building and the development of sustainable systems for international financial center in Busan.

[Panelist]

Inho Park

Citizen network for loving Busanport
Chairman

Chairman Park In-ho earned a master's degree in economics from Kyushu University in Japan and a Ph.D. in economics from Kyoto University. He also served as a visiting professor at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in the United States. He currently serves as Co-Chairman of the Busan Citizens' Network for Loving Busan Port and the Busan Port Development Association. He also serves as a policy advisor to the Busan Port Authority, a member of the Busan Metropolitan City's Marine Capital Policy Deliberation Committee, and a member of the Busan Citizens' Council for the Redevelopment of the North Port, among other positions. As a leader of the Busan Citizens' Network for Loving Busan Port, the nation's first civic organization dedicated to maritime ports, and other related organizations, he has worked tirelessly to strengthen the relationship between Busan Port and its citizens, promote citywide civic campaigns to make Busan Port a port cherished by the public, encourage citizens to actively participate in improving and maintaining the port, and develop Busan Port into a leading logistics hub in Northeast Asia. For the past 35 years, he has devoted himself to these causes through government-supported initiatives and voluntary, unpaid service, contributing to the establishment of Busan's status as Korea's maritime capital and to the advancement of Korea's maritime industry.

[Speaker]

Jihoon Lee

Philoartlab
Representative Director

Dr. Lee Ji-hoon received his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Paris 1 (Panthéon-Sorbonne). Dr. Lee has served as a steering committee member for the BIFF Research Institute (Busan International Film Festival), an editorial board member for the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art’s webzine Art:mu, and an film expert committee member for the Korea Media Rating Board. Dr. Lee currently engages in diverse art criticism, project curation, and cultural policy development through the research group "PhiloArt Lab," and hosts the film-humanities program “Lee Ji-hoon’s Cine-Philo” at the Busan Cinema Center. Dr. Lee is the author of books such as Art and Alchemy, Aesthetics of Existence, and Close Culture, Distant Aesthetics. Additionally, he has co-authored over 30 books—including Maritime Busan: Busan’s Ports and the People and Culture of Its Harbors—spanning the fields of science and technology, philosophy, art, and regional studies.

[Speaker]

Maritime Humanities and the Humanities: Ocean Discourse in the Anthropocene

Moonsoo Jeong

Institute of International Maritime Affairs
Director

He has served, or is currently serving, in a number of academic and public roles, including as Principal Investigator for the National Research Foundation of Korea’s Humanities Korea (HK) Project (2008–2018), Humanities Korea Plus (HK+) Project (2018–2025), and Humanities and Social Sciences Research Institute Support Program (2025–2031). He has also served as a member of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ Advisory Committee on the Northern Sea Route, Chair of the Korea-Germany Cultural Exchange Foundation, President of the Global Regional Studies Association, Chair of the Marine and Fisheries Division of the Busan Metropolitan City Policy Research Council, a member of the Busan Ilbo “Buil Sillon” editorial board, and a member of the KBS Busan Audience Committee. His major authored and translated works include Methodology for the Study of Cultural Interactions in Sea Port Cities, The Relationship between Maritime Studies and the Humanities, Discourses on Bada Humanities, The Free Sea, and Bada Humanities.

[Speaker]

Julian Barbière

UNESCO-IOC
Director, UN Ocean Decade Coordination

Julian Barbière is the Director, UN Ocean Decade Coordination at the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO. Educated as an environmental scientist, he has approximately 25 years of experience at the international level in the field of ocean sustainability, ocean governance, science/policy interface, and the development of technical cooperation in the field of ocean science. Playing a critical role in the development of several UN initiatives such as the preparation phase of the World Ocean Assessment, the technical framework leading to SDG14, or a global initiative in marine spatial planning that has inspired many nations to move towards ecosystem-based management approaches. Since 2017, he has been spearheading the development and coordination of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), also acting as the Decade Global Coordinator.

[Speaker]

Alison Clausen

UNESCO-IOC
Deputy Coordinator, Ocean Decade

Alison Clausen joined IOC as a programme specialist in 2019 with over twenty years’ professional experience in program and project development and management in the areas of marine conservation, marine policy, and climate change adaptation. Before joining IOC she was based in Madagascar, where she worked throughout the Western Indian Ocean region for the World Bank and most recently as the Regional Director for the Madagascar and Western Indian Ocean program of the Wildlife Conservation Society. Prior to that she lived in Vietnam where she worked through South East Asia for a range of development banks, UN agencies and NGO partners. She is currently playing a lead role in the implementation of the Ocean Decade

[Speaker]

Claire Jolly

Unit-STI Ocean Economy Group
Head

Claire Jolly has a background in international economics, with studies at the University of Versailles and Cornell University, and in aerospace engineering, with qualifications from ENSTA Paris (École nationale supérieure de techniques avancées, the French National Higher School of Advanced Techniques) and the International Space University. She is also an alumna of executive programmes at the French Institute for Higher National Defence Studies (IHEDN) and Singularity University. Ms. Jolly is currently Head of the Ocean Economy and Space Economy Unit in the Directorate for Science, Technology and Innovation at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). She leads OECD research and policy analysis on the economic and innovation dimensions of two important frontier domains: the ocean and the space environment. Her work focuses on the economic activities, scientific developments and innovations associated with the exploration and sustainable use of the ocean and space. Her primary areas of expertise include the economics of science- and technology-intensive sectors, innovation policy, and the role of emerging technologies in supporting sustainable economic development. Ms Jolly has extensive experience in business and policy analysis, supporting decision-making and strategic planning in public- and private-sector organisations. She has authored more than 70 publications examining the evolution and economic impacts of science- and technology-intensive sectors. In her role at the OECD, she leads international research and policy co-operation initiatives on the ocean and space economies, bringing together governments, industry, academia and other stakeholders to strengthen the evidence base and inform policy development in these rapidly evolving fields.

[Speaker]

James Jolliffe

OECD
Economist and Policy Analyst

James Jolliffe is an OECD economist whose work explores how the ocean economy is evolving and how science, policy and innovation can shape its future. He leads the OECD’s work on ocean economy statistics and quantitative projections, contributing to ocean policy analysis and the OECD’s support for countries, helping governments better understand the scale, performance, and long-term prospects of their ocean economies. His work examines the economic, technological, and policy forces likely to influence the ocean economy in the decades ahead. James is a lead author of the OECD’s 2025 report, The Ocean Economy to 2050, and the forthcoming Ocean Economy at a Glance 2026.

[Speaker]

Korea's Ocean Economy Assessment : Korea’s Ocean Economy Account

Jeongin Chang

Korea Maritime Institute, Ocean Economy Research Division
Ph.D. in Economics / Research fellow

Dr. Jeong-In Chang received her Ph.D. in Economics from Korea University in 2006. She joined the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), a government-funded research institute under the Prime Minister's Office of the Republic of Korea, in 2007. Since then, she has conducted extensive research in the ocean economy. From 2018 to 2023, she served as Director of the Economic Outlook and Data Research Division at KMI. Her main research areas include ocean economy forecasting, the development and compilation of Ocean Economy Satellite Accounts (OESA), industrial classification systems for ocean-related industries, input-output analysis, and the economic valuation of marine ecosystem services. From August 2023 to August 2025, Dr. Chang was joined the Ocean Economy Group within the Directorate for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), where she served as a Senior Economist. Dr. Jeong-In Chang received her Ph.D. in Economics from Korea University in 2006. She joined the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), a government-funded research institute under the Prime Minister's Office of the Republic of Korea, in 2007. Since then, she has conducted extensive research in the ocean economy. From 2018 to 2023, she served as Director of the Economic Outlook and Data Research Division at KMI. Her main research areas include ocean economy forecasting, the development and compilation of Ocean Economy Satellite Accounts (OESA), industrial classification systems for ocean-related industries, input-output analysis, and the economic valuation of marine ecosystem services. From August 2023 to August 2025, Dr. Chang was joined the Ocean Economy Group within the Directorate for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), where she served as a Senior Economist. Since 2017, she has also been a member of the Steering Group of the OECD Ocean Economy Group, contributing to international cooperation and policy development in the field of the ocean economy. She is currently a Research Fellow at KMI, where she leads Korea's Ocean Economy Satellite Account project and ocean economic analysis initiatives. Since 2017, she has also been a member of the Steering Group of the OECD Ocean Economy Group, contributing to international cooperation and policy development in the field of the ocean economy. She is currently a Research Fellow at KMI, where she leads Korea's Ocean Economy Satellite Account project and ocean economic analysis initiatives.

[Moderator]

Eunpyo Hong

Organization Korea ESG Management Institute
Chairperson

Dr. HONG Eun-Pyo holds a PhD degree in Economics from Fordham University. He has built extensive expertise through research and teaching roles at institutions including the Sejong Institute, the Ministry of Data and Statistics, OECD Secretariat, Dong-A University, and Sangmyung University. Dr. HONG is currently the Chairman of the Korea ESG Management Institute. He also holds a position as a research fellow at the Institute for Future Growth at Korea University, where he oversees joint research initiatives and international cooperation projects. His primary research interests include time-series analysis, big data analysis, and development cooperation. In addition, Dr. HONG has planned and implemented international cooperation and Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects, contributing to capacity building and the development of sustainable management systems in Southeast and Central Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Dr. HONG is also actively involved in international cooperation and policy development through his roles as a member of the Seoul Financial Forum, an advisory committee member for the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), a member of the International Development Consulting Association, and a strategic advisor on international cooperation for Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.

[Panelist]

Alison Clausen

UNESCO-IOC
Deputy Coordinator, Ocean Decade

Alison Clausen joined IOC as a programme specialist in 2019 with over twenty years’ professional experience in program and project development and management in the areas of marine conservation, marine policy, and climate change adaptation. Before joining IOC she was based in Madagascar, where she worked throughout the Western Indian Ocean region for the World Bank and most recently as the Regional Director for the Madagascar and Western Indian Ocean program of the Wildlife Conservation Society. Prior to that she lived in Vietnam where she worked through South East Asia for a range of development banks, UN agencies and NGO partners. She is currently playing a lead role in the implementation of the Ocean Decade

[Panelist]

Cristina Ramos

Instituto Nacional de Estatística, I.P. (INE) | Statistics Portug
Head of Unit

Cristina Ramos holds a degree in Economics and a master’s degree in Development and International Cooperation, having studied at Universidade de Lisboa and ISEG – Lisbon School of Economics & Management. She has worked at Statistics Portugal since November 1997, specialising in national accounts, satellite accounts and statistical quality assessment. Since 2010, she has headed the Unit for Satellite Accounts and Quality Assessment of the National Accounts. She coordinates the development of satellite accounts for the ocean, agriculture at national and regional levels, forestry, health, environment, , tourism, social economy, sports and culture. The ocean satellite account is a key component of this portfolio, focusing on the measurement of ocean-related economic activity within a national accounts framework. Her responsibilities also encompass annual national accounts for agriculture, forestry and fisheries, agricultural price statistics, Gross National Income reporting and the inventory of sources and methods for national accounts, national accounts quality assessment studies, and Sustainable Development Indicators. Her international experience includes representing Portugal in several Eurostat working groups and contributing to OECD and Eurostat studies on disparities within a national accounts framework. She has also provided technical assistance on satellite accounts to European and Southern Mediterranean countries, as well as Portuguese-speaking African countries, supporting international cooperation in statistical compilation and methodology.

[Speaker]

Sally

SELLY UNIVERSE
REPRESENTATIVE

Su-yeon Choe graduated from Mokpo National Maritime University with a bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering. She has built a strong foundation for engagement in the maritime sector by operating a specialized YouTube channel dedicated to interviews on maritime careers, currently reaching 14,000 subscribers. She presently serves as an official creator for the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. As the representative of a specialized maritime content platform, she oversees projects aimed at promoting diverse maritime professions and raising public awareness. Her primary areas of focus include maritime career exploration and the public engagement of maritime industries. She also serves as an executive committee member of the Korea Women’s Maritime Association and as a member of the Korea Coast Guard’s Central Maritime Search and Rescue Technical Committee, contributing to the promotion of maritime safety and related policies.

[Speaker]

EXO (Sunho Lee)

EXOPLANET Co., Ltd
CEO

Lee Sun-ho | Science Communicator & Medical Science Expert Making Science Accessible, Engaging, and Relevant to Our Everyday Lives Lee Sun-ho is a distinguished science communicator and medical science expert with a strong academic background in biotechnology and medicine. He graduated one year early as the valedictorian of Catholic University’s Department of Biotechnology, earned a Master’s degree in Medicine from Seoul National University College of Medicine, and completed coursework toward a Ph.D. in Medicineat Seoul National University. He currently serves as the CEO of Exoplanetand has been a Science Communicator appointed by the Minister of Science and ICT since 2017, actively contributing to the public understanding of science. With extensive experience across television, radio, podcasts, and digital media, Lee has become widely recognized for making complex scientific concepts easy and entertaining to understand. He has hosted science programs including “Exo’s Oh My Science” on KBS FM Daehangil, “What Science Is This?” on EBS, and the science segment of the popular podcast and YouTube show “MaeBul Show.”He also hosted the acclaimed science podcast “Gwajangchang”and runs the YouTube channel “Science-Only Scientist (GwaBunSsa).” His expertise extends beyond media and education. He served as a lecturer on space launch vehicles for the Algerian Space Agencyand as a scientific advisor for Netflix’s “Busted!”, demonstrating his broad expertise spanning medicine, science, space, and popular culture.

[Speaker]

Jihye Jin

Daon Fisheries Disease Management Center
Director

Ji-hye Jin earned her degree in Aquatic Life Medicine from Pukyong National University. She currently serves as Director of an Aquatic Organism Disease Inspection Center, where she has developed extensive professional expertise through a wide range of clinical cases and field-based practice. As a licensed Aquatic Organism Disease Inspector, she oversees quarantine operations across roughly 70 designated facilities for imported and exported aquatic species in the Metropolitan Area. She also chairs the Quarantine Management Division of the Korean Aquatic Animal Disease Inspector Association (KADIA), advancing field operations and quarantine practices. As a Public Aquatic Organism Disease Inspector for Incheon City, she conducts disease surveillance across local holding and aquaculture facilities. Working closely with farm operators and field personnel, she helps prevent disease outbreaks and promotes effective health management practices. She provides tailored lectures on aquatic diseases for university students, local disease-control personnel, industry experts, and the public. Additionally, she leads a case-collection project on ornamental fish diseases to bridge the data gap in this under-researched field. Beyond ornamental species, she handles disease cases in commercial aquaculture, collaborating with universities and research institutes to investigate outbreaks and publish academic findings.

[Speaker]

Dongung Kim

Jeju Research Institute
Director General

Dr. Dong Sung Kim received a Master’s degree in zoology (1992), and obtained a Ph.D. degree in biological science (1996) both from Tokyo University. Dr. Kim returned to his home country as a prospective young scientist under the National Brain Pool Program. Since his return to Korea, Dr. Kim has dedicated to broaden and firm domestic research foundation as a physiological ecology specialist in field of meiobenthos. Dr. Kim is the pioneer Korean scientist who was onboard the manned underwater vehicle ‘Shinkai 6500’ to explore the hydrothermal vent named “Kairei” first discovered in the Indian Ocean. Successively, he had joined a tri-lateral (Korea, Japan, USA) international expedition team to explore the world’s deepest abyss called as “Mariana Trench” (11,000km/Kaiko). Throughout these experiences, he led an exploratory voyage in 2018 to the High Sea of the Indian Ocean to discover the hydrothermal vent ecosystem named “Onuri”-the first hydrothermal vent ecosystem discovered by Korea but the 4th by the international competitors—resulting in the successful collection of various samples which obtained novel creatures and natural products and writing a number of research outcome papers. In 2012, Dr. Kim was a principal investigator again leading an expedition team to the Indian Ocean to discover a new hydrothermal vent ecosystem named “Onbada” as the second discovery by Korea and discovered the 3rd one named “Onnarae”, contributing to the advancement of research capabilities in area of deep sea extremophile ecosystem. Furthermore, Dr. Kim has led a scientific team for many years to develop research plans about the East Sea and Dokdo micro-and meio-fauna ecosystem. He also has contributed to the advancement of national marine science by actively participating in a number of meetings to develop national and public marine policies and solutions for domestic coastal problems. Presently, Dr. Kim is Director for External Affairs of the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), a Member of the Review Committee on Marine Area Use Effect organized by the Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries, a Special Advisor for the National Ocean Science Museum, Secretary-General of Green Growth Ocean Forum, a Board Member and an Auditor of the Society of Marine Environment and Biology, Chair of the Committee on Marine Science of the Society of Marine Environment and Biology, a Board Member and Vice-President of Incorporated Association of Korea Marine Policy, a Registered Board Member of Incorporated Association of Gyeonggi Bay Forum, and an Editor of the Journal of the Korean Society of Oceanography. In addition, Dr. Kim was a Research Fellow at the Marine Policy Department of the University of Delaware, USA, a Member of the Fundamental Research Promotion Sub-Council under the Presidential Advisory Council on Science and Technology, a Member of the Council on Gyeongbuk East Sea Marine Fishery Development, a Member of Marine Policy Advisory Committee of Uljin County, and a Board Member of Incorporated Association of Dokdo Marine Fishery Research. Dr. Kim also served as Director of Strategy Development Division, Director of Marine Biology Division, Director-General of Fundamental Research Department, Director-General of the East Sea Research Institute all under KIOST.