Attendees pose for a photo at the opening of artist Park Jong-kyu's special invitational exhibition at Keimyung University's Geukjae Art Museum on the Daemyung Campus on May 19. From left: Noh In-sik, chairman of the Daegu Art Association; Kim Yun-hee, dean of Keimyung University's College of Fine Arts; Park; Shin Il-hee, president of Keimyung University; and Park Yong-hae, chairman of Toprun Total Solution. [Keimyung University]
Attendees pose for a photo at the opening of artist Park Jong-kyu's special invitational exhibition at Keimyung University's Geukjae Art Museum on the Daemyung Campus on May 19. From left: Noh In-sik, chairman of the Daegu Art Association; Kim Yun-hee, dean of Keimyung University's College of Fine Arts; Park; Shin Il-hee, president of Keimyung University; and Park Yong-hae, chairman of Toprun Total Solution. [Keimyung University]

Keimyung University announced Saturday that alumnus and artist Park Jong-kyu has established a 700 million won ($458,000) scholarship fund at his alma mater, combining proceeds from a special exhibition with a university matching grant.

The fund was raised through Park's special invitational exhibition "The Art of Noise," held at the university's Geukjae Art Museum from May 19 to May 30.

Park donated the full 350 million won in sales proceeds from the exhibition to Keimyung University. The university then matched the contribution through its "Keimyung Plus Scholarship" program, bringing the total to 700 million won.

Beginning in the 2027 academic year, the fund will operate under the name "College of Fine Arts Park Jong-kyu Scholarship." It will provide ongoing support for fine arts students facing financial hardship or seeking to focus on their creative work.

"I am glad that the exhibition proceeds are being returned as scholarships to help my juniors with their studies," Park said. "The ultimate destination of art is people, and I hope this donation becomes a genuine springboard for the next generation."

Kim Yun-hee, dean of Keimyung University's College of Fine Arts, called it "a meaningful precedent set by an alumnus who has grown into a world-class artist for the benefit of those who follow." She added that Park's spirit of giving "will instill great pride in young artists."


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