Konkuk University’s Academy of Mobility Humanities held a colloquium on 1 April 2026 under the theme “The Evolution of Air Mobility and Humanistic Values: Technology and Trust in Opening Pathways through the Sky.”
The event featured Bongkeun Lee of Jeonbuk National University, former Head of the Aircraft Export Division at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), who delivered a presentation on the development of aviation technology and the future direction of air mobility.
- Major career highlights: Former Head of the Aircraft Export Division at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI); former President of KAI’s US subsidiary and secondee to Samsung Aerospace Industries; currently serving as an adviser and researcher on K-defence export strategies and weapons-system acquisition policy at the Korea Defence Industry Association.
The presentation traced the development of Korean aviation technology, focusing on the transition from propeller-driven aircraft to jet engines, and from mechanical control systems to digital control systems. It also discussed how these technological advances have shaped national security, industrial competitiveness, and global connectivity.
The colloquium also addressed key ethical issues arising from the spread of emerging technologies such as AI-based autonomous flight, unmanned aerial vehicles, and manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T). Particular attention was given to questions of responsibility and the need to ensure transparency in decision-making when technology begins to replace human judgement.
In response to these challenges, Professor Lee emphasised the importance of “Humanities-by-Design”, an approach that incorporates human values and ethical considerations from the earliest stages of technological development.
The colloquium provided an opportunity to reconsider air mobility not merely as a means of transportation, but as a mode of connecting people and society. It also served as a platform for exploring the possibilities of convergence between technology and the humanities.
