Current professional background:
I am a Professor at the Department of Cyber Security Engineering at Konyang University in Nonsan, South Korea.
Field of research:
My research specialty is in blockchains, which is a specialised and decentralised way of recording economic transactions. This technology has many applications, for example it forms the basis for cryptocurrencies. My current research looks at how to use blockchains in smart energy grids. Smart energy grids also have many different uses, they can for example, make it easier for consumers to sell any electricity they generate back into the grid.
Purpose of your last research visit:
I came to Germany in order to cooperate on a project called “smart grid blockchain for end-to-end authentication and logging” with Prof. Dr. Ruland at the University of Siegen.
Relation to the University of Siegen and/or to the local host:
I studied my PhD at the University of Siegen a few years ago, Prof. Ruland was my supervisor.
Future projects / Activities:
Prof. Ruland proposed a project about blockchains for smart grids to the Pajako program (a German Ministry of Foreign Affairs initiative to foster partnerships with Japan and Korea). We have just made a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Universities of Siegen and Konyang to facilitate tighter cooperation in future. We will regularly visit both Universities to conduct this joint international project. By combining Prof Ruland’s expertise in smartgrids with mine in blockchains, we can create research that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Impressions of Siegen:
Siegen is a quiet and green city. I usually live in a larger metropolitan area so I find Siegen to be an easy place to relax because of the fresh air.