Kim Receives National Commendation from South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Dae Hong Kim, an associate professor, lecturer  in the Division of Games (at the Utah Asia Campus), has been awarded a Certificate of Commendation from South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in recognition of his contributions to arts and cultural education through his work with the National Asian Culture Center (ACC). The honor recognizes Dae Hong’s leadership in applying artificial intelligence and game development technologies to support and expand artists’ creative practices.

Since 2022, Dae Hong has led a sustained series of AI- and game-technology–focused workshops for artists affiliated with the ACC. Through this work, he has helped artists adopt emerging technologies as practical, hands-on tools for creative production, bridging technical innovation with experimental and interdisciplinary arts practice. The ACC is a government-funded cultural institution dedicated to artistic creation, education, and collaboration across Asia, with a strong emphasis on technology-driven and experimental work.

“This recognition speaks to the power of games, AI, and interactive technologies as creative instruments, not just technical systems,” said R. Michael Young, Chair of the Division of Games. “Dae Hong’s work exemplifies the Division’s commitment to global engagement and to using advanced technologies in ways that meaningfully support artists and cultural institutions.”

Reflecting on the award, Dae Hong emphasized how game technology and AI can impact artists. “I believe that game development is a universal tool for digital creation. With the advent of generative AI, we are seeing these technologies not only lower the barriers for artists but also fundamentally expand what is creatively possible,”  he said. “My goal is to keep connecting technology with the arts, empowering creators to explore new boundaries and realize their visions without technical limitations.”

The Division of Games congratulates Dae Hong on this international honor and celebrates the growing global impact of its faculty’s work at the intersection of games, AI, and the arts.