The Korean Institute of Electromagnetic Engineering and Science held an event to share the latest electromagnetic technologies for the hyper-connected era in cyberspace, which transcends time and place and was triggered by COVID-19.

The Korean Institute of Electromagnetic Engineering and Science held the '2022 Korean Institute of Electromagnetic Engineering and Science Winter Comprehensive Academic Conference' at Phoenix Pyeongchang in Gangwon-do for four days from the 9th to the 12th.

This event was held under the theme of 'Evolution of Hyper-connected Radio Wave Technology in the Metaverse Era,' and was a great success with approximately 490 papers submitted and about 750 people participating. In addition, 41 companies and organizations provided sponsorship and support despite the difficult circumstances of COVID-19.

The conference was composed of 7 tutorial sessions to help lay the academic foundation for beginners in electromagnetic wave research, 5 workshop sessions to grasp and forecast the latest research trends such as 6G mobile communication, low-orbit satellite utilization, electronic warfare, and quantum radar, 5 URSI General Lectures, and 28 special paper sessions on various topics.

In addition, a memorial session was held to honor the late Professor Kim Dong-il of Korea Maritime University and the late Choi Jin-hyuk, Head of Hanwha Systems, who passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding further significance.

Two keynote speeches were delivered at the opening ceremony held on the 10th.

The first keynote speech was given by Satrec Initiative CEO Kim Yi-eul, who spoke on 'Satrec Initiative and Private-sector-led Space Development'.

CEO Kim Yi-eul stated that the global space market is rapidly shifting from government-led initiatives to private-led ones, citing SpaceX as a prime example.

It was stated that launch costs have decreased to 1/6 to 1/10 of what they were in the past through SpaceX, creating an opportunity to launch a larger number of satellites into space with the same amount of investment.

It was stated that this has enabled various new businesses and rapid market response, and that as the size of the space market grows, Korea must also quickly proceed with business led by the private sector for the space industry to develop.

Following this, Technology Center Director Lee Byung-nam delivered the second keynote speech on the topic of "Future Spectrum Development Directions in the Cyber-Space Domain."

Center Director Lee Byung-nam stated that information gathered through networks is carried out via radio waves and that the field utilizing radio waves has been introduced into warfare, adding that the electromagnetic environment in modern warfare is increasing vulnerability to electronic warfare.He said.

Furthermore, stating that spectrum warfare based on electronic warfare is increasingly expanding from ground, maritime, and aerial battlefield environments into cyberspace and outer space, it was revealed that victory in electromagnetic waves is essential for winning future wars.

Park Sung-wook, President of the Korean Institute of Electromagnetic Engineering and Science, stated, “This year marks the 33rd anniversary of the Institute since its founding in June 1989,” adding, “We have solidified our role as a central hub for academic and policy fields related to electromagnetic waves in Korea, and we are doing our best to facilitate academic exchange and share the experiences of our members.”