Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) awarded an honorary doctoral degree to Kim Baek-joon, former Director of Planning and Administration of the Presidential Office.

JBNU held an honorary doctorate conferment ceremony at Jinsudang Paolo Hall at 11:00 a.m. on February 20 and awarded Kim, the former Director of Planning and Administration of the Presidential Office, an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration.

A native of Iksan, Kim Baek-joon conducted various domestic and international economic surveys to advance South Korea's finance and economy and played a key role in enhancing understanding of global economic conditions.

In particular, by establishing joint financial ventures with foreign partners and introducing new financial products and risk management methods, he has contributed greatly to the modernization of South Korea's financial industry and to the academic development of related fields.

At the ceremony, President Seo Geoseok said, "Mr. Kim Baek-joon has made significant contributions to the development of South Korea's economy and has greatly helped JBNU grow into a leading global university representing Korea. Now that he has become a proud member of the JBNU family, I hope he will continue to be a great support so that his alma mater may advance day by day."

Kim Baek-joon said, "JBNU, which is undergoing remarkable change and development—recently ranking sixth nationwide among comprehensive universities in university evaluations—has become a model for South Korean universities. I consider it an immense honor to become a new member of JBNU, and I will strive to contribute to JBNU's future development."

Meanwhile, Kim, a graduate of Namsung High School in Iksan and the Department of Economics at Korea University, served as an economic researcher at Korea Exchange Bank and held major responsibilities as the chief executive of financial affiliates of the Hyundai Group and the Samyang Group. He also served as a non-executive auditor of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, a senior advisor to the Seoul Industry and Trade Promotion Agency, and a standing auditor of Seoul Metro, thereby contributing to social development.