World · North America · 1 hr ago
Kim Byung-soo takes office as USC’s first Korean American president
Kim Byung-soo has taken office as USC’s 13th president, becoming the first Korean American to lead the University of Southern California.
The university held his inauguration on October 16 at its Los Angeles campus, with about 4,500 staff, students and alumni attending.
He plans a major overhaul of undergraduate education to prepare students for rapid technological change, including artificial intelligence.
The new curriculum is intended to build creativity, empathy and ethical judgment alongside knowledge and technical skills, with more team projects and practical learning.
USC also aims to connect research across disciplines and strengthen partnerships with industry and local communities so research can contribute to social progress.
Kim, who was born in Los Angeles and joined USC in 2020, was unanimously selected by the university’s board in February.
He says he wants to pass on the opportunities education gave his family by creating opportunities for future students as USC begins its next 150 years.
Kim Byung-soo has officially taken office as the University of Southern California’s first Korean American president.
USC held his inauguration on Oct. 16 at its Los Angeles campus, with about 4,500 faculty, students and alumni attending.
Kim said he aims to prepare the university for the next 150 years through education reform and interdisciplinary research.
He plans a comprehensive overhaul of undergraduate general education and expanded team projects and hands-on learning.
Kim was unanimously selected by USC’s board in February.
- Who
- Kim Byung-soo, USC’s first Korean American president.
- What
- He officially took office as the university’s 13th president.
- When
- The inauguration was held on Oct. 16, 2026.
- Where
- USC’s campus in Los Angeles.
- Why
- He presented a vision for education reform and interdisciplinary research in response to rapid technological change, including AI.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
USC’s board unanimously selected Kim as president.
USC held Kim’s inauguration at its Los Angeles campus.
Yonhap reported that Kim had officially taken office and outlined his vision.
- Title
- USC’s 13th president
- Inauguration
- Oct. 16, 2026
- Attendance
- About 4,500 people
- Selection
- Unanimously chosen by USC’s board in February
- Education plan
- Comprehensive revision of undergraduate general education
What people are saying
We must once again broaden the horizons as we look toward the next 150 years.
I will return that belief to the next generation of students as opportunity.