Key attendees cut a ribbon at the opening ceremony of the Admiral Yi Sun-sin Research Institute at Daegu Catholic University. [Daegu Catholic University]
Key attendees cut a ribbon at the opening ceremony of the Admiral Yi Sun-sin Research Institute at Daegu Catholic University. [Daegu Catholic University]

Daegu Catholic University has established a dedicated research center to carry forward the spirit and leadership of Admiral Yi Sun-sin for the modern era.

The university held an opening ceremony for the Admiral Yi Sun-sin Research Institute on Thursday at Veritas Hall in the university's central library.

University President Seong Han-gi, representatives from the Seoul Yeohae Foundation, and faculty and students from the Department of Yi Sun-sin Studies attended the ceremony, which included a ribbon-cutting and commemorative photographs.

The institute was established to expand the educational and research achievements of the Department of Yi Sun-sin Studies — the first such department in the country — into a formal academic research program.

Daegu Catholic University launched the graduate-level Department of Yi Sun-sin Studies in 2022, offering an interdisciplinary curriculum spanning history, Korean literature and policy studies.

The newly opened institute will pursue interdisciplinary research across history, literature and policy studies, including the discovery, verification and translation of classical texts and historical records related to Admiral Yi.

The institute also plans to explore how Yi's military strategies and leadership principles can be applied to modern organizational management, public leadership and corporate governance, and to examine the potential of related cultural content.

A founding academic seminar held after the opening ceremony featured presentations and discussions on topics including Yi Sun-sin's role and combat readiness during the Imjin War, the historical significance of Ungcheon Japanese Castle, and the leadership qualities reflected in the "Nanjung Ilgi" war diary.

"I hope the Admiral Yi Sun-sin Research Institute will invigorate Yi Sun-sin studies through collaboration and knowledge-sharing among researchers, and serve as a bridge connecting the university, local communities and experts from diverse fields," Seong said. "We will continue to provide support so the institute can grow into a trusted research institution."


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