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The LX Group has introduced a tailored scholarship initiative named the ‘LX Science Fellowship’ for students at the College of Natural Sciences at Seoul National University, pledging 700 million Korean won over a five-year period beginning this year. This program was launched by Koo Bon-jun, the head of LX Group, who has a deep passion for fundamental sciences, aiming to foster a setting where a “second June Huh” might arise. Professor June Huh from Princeton University, the first Korean recipient of the Fields Medal—often called the “Nobel Prize of Mathematics”—is also an alumnus of the College of Natural Sciences at Seoul National University and a senior to Chairman Koo.

On the 26th of the previous month, LX Group entered into an agreement with Seoul National University, with Koo Bon-jun, the group’s chairman and CEO of LX Holdings, Yoo Hong-lim, the president of Seoul National University, and others present. It is reported that the creation of the scholarship program was influenced by Chairman Koo’s academic background in natural sciences and his relationship with Professor June Huh. Chairman Koo graduated from the Department of Computational Statistics at Seoul National University, and one of his long-standing colleagues from the department is Emeritus Professor Myeong-hoi Huh, the father of Professor June Huh and a professor emeritus in the Department of Statistics at Korea University. Due to this connection, Chairman Koo is said to have traveled to the United States to support Professor Huh even before he won the Fields Medal, and has continued to maintain contact with him.

Chairman Koo specifically highlighted Professor Huh’s media interview right after he won the Fields Medal. It mentioned, “After obtaining my Ph.D., I was chosen for the Clay Fellowship and received unconditional support for five years. The ideal environment, which included housing and a monthly salary, was crucial in helping me get started.” The Clay Fellowship is a scholarship initiative by the Clay Mathematics Institute in the U.S., which has produced seven Fields Medalists, including Professor Huh. This statement is believed to have had a major impact on LX Group’s decision to create the scholarship program.

The LX Group will provide support for 10 graduate students (including those who have finished their coursework) from the College of Natural Sciences at Seoul National University over a period of five years, with an approximate total of 200 million Korean won, allowing them to concentrate steadily on their research. Additionally, each year, 40 undergraduate students will receive internship opportunities in their preferred research areas along with research scholarships.

Chairman Koo said, “It is significant to assist my university’s younger students in committing themselves to their studies and research,” and added, “I hope this helps improve research abilities in the fundamental sciences, which form the basis of scientific and technological competitiveness, and aids in attracting and developing exceptional talent.” President Yoo Hong-lim noted, “LX Group’s donation will give great courage and pride to students and researchers who quietly focus on their studies and research, acting as a warm encouragement.”