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Sim Jong-hyeok is the President of Sogang University. He was re-elected for a consecutive term as the sole candidate.

He was born on October 17, 1955, in Seoul.

Sim graduated from Seoul Dongsung High School and pursued undergraduate studies in mathematics and physics at Sogang University. He earned a master’s degree in physics from the Sogang University Graduate School.

He further completed master’s programs in pastoral studies and theology at Weston School of Theology in the United States and earned his doctoral degree in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy.

Sim is known as a scientist who later transitioned into theology.

He is a Catholic priest.

In 1992, Sim was appointed as a professor in the Department of Religious Studies at Sogang University. Over the years, he served in various leadership roles, including Director of the Institute of Theology, General Affairs Director, Planning Director, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dean of the Graduate School. In 2021, he was appointed as the President of Sogang University.

Sim faces demands for reform from university members regarding the governance structure dominated by the Jesuit-affiliated foundation. Resolving the conflict between the foundation and university members remains a key challenge.

Despite being summoned by police over allegations of misconduct in the appointment of an endowed professor, which put his reappointment in doubt, the university’s board of trustees reinstated Sim Jong-hyeok.

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