Over Four Decades of Contributions to the Sports and Outdoor Industry, Dedicated to Alma Mater and Nurturing Future Talent

Naming Plaque Ceremony for “LEE Yong-hwan Lecture Room” Held, Honoring His Love for His Alma Mater

President CHOI Oe-chool: “Chairman Lee’s Spirit of Challenge and Dedication Will Be a Great Example for Our Students”

[August 25, 2025]

<YU conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering on Chairman LEE Yong-hwan on August 22.>

 Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering to LEE Yong-hwan, Chairman of Hi-Tech Textile Co., Ltd., in a ceremony held at the LEE Siwon Global Convention Hall on August 22. Following the degree conferment, a naming plaque ceremony for the “LEE Yong-hwan Lecture Room” was held in Room 216 of the Textile Building, commemorating an alumnus who has devoted himself to the development of both his alma mater and Korea’s textile and sports industries.

The ceremony was attended by President CHOI Oe-chool, HAN Jae-sook, Chairperson of the Yeungnam School Corporation, major university officials, alumni, family members, and students—over 100 participants in total. The program included the conferment ceremony, a commemorative luncheon, a scholarship award ceremony, congratulatory performances, and group photography, providing a meaningful occasion to honor Chairman Lee’s achievements and dedication to YU.

Chairman LEE entered YU’s Department of Textile Engineering in 1970, where he excelled academically and was recognized multiple times as a scholarship recipient. After graduation, he contributed to the sportswear industry through his work at leading domestic and international companies such as Hanil Synthetic Fiber and Nike.In 1988, he founded Hi-Tech Textile Co., Ltd., serving as CEO, and advanced Korea’s global competitiveness in the sports and outdoor industry through high-performance material development and ODM-based product supply. In particular, through a technical partnership with Mitsubishi Corporation in 2007, he succeeded in producing Korea’s first 10-denier ultralight down jacket, significantly contributing to the widespread adoption of winter outerwear in the country. His entrepreneurial spirit—turning the challenges of the Asian financial crisis into opportunities through bold innovation—has become a model for the industry.

Since 2007, Chairman Lee has consistently supported YU students through scholarship donations. As President of the YU Department of Textile and Fashion Alumni Association in Seoul from 2008, he organized trend seminars and knowledge-sharing forums, further contributing to alumni development.In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the Cheonma Honors Club in 2021. During the ceremony, scholarship recipients of the LEE Yong-hwan & KIM Jeom-hee Scholarship read letters of gratitude, expressing deep respect and appreciation to Chairman Lee and his spouse.

Immediately after the degree conferment, the naming plaque ceremony for the “LEE Yong-hwan Lecture Room” was held to honor alumni who have made significant contributions to the university’s development. The plaque features a relief portrait of Chairman Lee, while Professor SHIN Gi-woon of the Department of Transart presented a sculpted bust of Lee, adding symbolic meaning to the occasion.  A representative from the Office of External Affairs explained that the lecture room would serve as a space embodying Chairman Lee’s deep affection for his alma mater and his juniors.

In his acceptance remarks, Chairman LEE said, “I am truly honored to receive this prestigious Honorary Doctorate of Engineering from my alma mater. It is especially meaningful to share this moment with Chairperson HAN Jae-sook, President CHOI Oe-chool, my professors, alumni, and family members. The spirit and teachings I received at YU have been the driving force of my life. Going forward, I wish to continue contributing to the nurturing of global leaders who will shape the rapidly changing world. I will spare no effort in supporting my juniors so that they may thrive on the global stage.”

President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “Today’s conferment of the Honorary Doctorate of Engineering to Chairman LEE Yong-hwan, along with the unveiling of the lecture room plaque, is a profoundly meaningful event. As a pioneer of Korea’s sports and outdoor industry, Chairman Lee has not only advanced the industry but has also been a devoted supporter of his alma mater and its students, setting an enduring example of affection and generosity. Every student who studies in the newly named ‘LEE Yong-hwan Lecture Room’ will be inspired by his spirit of challenge and dedication, applying themselves diligently to study and research while growing into global leaders. YU will continue striving for greater advancement, nurturing talented individuals who will elevate Korea as a more dignified nation and contribute to the shared prosperity of humanity.”