Professor Choi Young Kil-Hamed

Professor Choi Young-Kil was born in Korea in 1949. In 1975 he obtained a BA in Arabic Language and Literature from Hancock University on Foreign Language Studies. In 1980 he received a university studies certificate at the College of Fundamentals of Religion and Da’wah [religious advocacy] at the Islamic University of Madinah. He also obtained a Master’s degree in 1982 in Arabic language from Hancock University for the study on foreign languages, and a PhD degree in 1986 in Islamic studies at Omdurman Islamic University. His PhD thesis was entitled “Islamic Advocacy in Korea”. Professor Choi Young-Kil worked as a teacher during his residence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Koreans residing in the country at the Islamic Education Center. He served as Visiting Professor at Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University over 1982-1983. He held several academic positions at Myeongji University during which he headed the Department of Arab Studies and Graduate Studies at the university, then Director of Academic Affairs at the College of Arts, and then Dean of the College of Humanities. He is still practicing his work at this university, where he works as a chair professor of Islamic studies. He is also a former member of a number of councils, bodies and centers concerned with Islamic scholarship. He was honored for his efforts in promoting Islamic work and translation. He received the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Award for Translation for the year 2008, and an award for serving Islam from the Regional Council for Islamic Call in Southeast Asia for the year 2023. Professor Choi Young-Kil (Hamed) was awarded the King Faisal Prize in the category “Service to Islam” on the following grounds: His translation of a large number of Islamic books noted for their quality, accuracy and clarity, hence contributing to the propagation of knowledge about key aspects of Islamic culture to the Korean-speaking peoples; his advocacy efforts, represented by giving many lessons and lectures, and organizing courses to introduce and advocate Islam; teaching Arabic language and Islamic sciences at the University of Myeongji and the University of Hancock for Foreign Studies; his distinct performance as president of a number of institutions, organizations, and unions; and his active membership in a number of other councils dealing with Muslim affairs.