Korean man chooses to study and graduate with PhD in Vietnam

Mr. Ko Dong Hyun is the first Korean student to receive a PhD in International Economics from the University of Economics - Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

On the afternoon of August 3, the University of Economics - Vietnam National University, Hanoi held a graduation ceremony in 2025 for 18 PhDs; 152 masters and 1,335 bachelors.

Among the doctoral graduates who were awarded degrees, Mr. Ko Dong Hyun, born in 1984, a Korean, graduated in International Economics. He is the first Korean to graduate with a doctorate from this school.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Truc Le, Chairman of the Board of the University of Economics - VNU (left) and Associate Professor Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Principal of the school (right) awarded the doctoral degree to Mr. Ko Dong Hyun. Photo: Thanh Hung

Previously, Mr. Ko Dong Hyun graduated with a bachelor's and master's degree in Labor and Employment Relations from Rutgers University (New Jersey, USA).

Sharing with VietNamNet , Mr. Ko Dong Hyun said that becoming the first Korean to graduate with a doctorate from the University of Economics - Vietnam National University, Hanoi is a great honor for him.

The reason he chose Vietnam to pursue his PhD was because he saw that our country is not only economically dynamic but also culturally rich, socially aspirational and friendly. He decided to become a PhD student in International Economics at the University of Economics - Vietnam National University, Hanoi with the hope of continuing to develop his intellect and contributing to meaningful changes in education , sustainable development and economic policy.

Ko Dong Hyun’s PhD research focuses on Korea’s green growth policy and its relation to Vietnam’s sustainable development goals. This is a comparative, interdisciplinary study that combines environmental economics, labor policy, and education reform.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Rector of the University of Economics - Vietnam National University, Hanoi, spoke at the 2025 graduation ceremony.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Associate Professor Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Principal of the University of Economics - Vietnam National University, Hanoi shared: “When holding the school's diploma in hand, you are fully integrated and compete equally with friends graduating from top universities around the world. The door to the future is wide open, with almost limitless possibilities. Whether you choose to continue your education, start a career or initiate new journeys, the school believes that you have the foundation, courage and capacity to succeed.”

New graduates of the University of Economics - Vietnam National University, Hanoi at the 2025 graduation ceremony.

Mr. Thanh advised the new bachelors, masters, and doctors that in addition to being proud of what they have achieved, they should continue to strive and build their dreams with a new start from today. “You will face real challenges, but at the same time, there will be new and vast opportunities. To overcome these challenges and take advantage of these opportunities, you need to continue to strive, constantly learn, and always maintain a strong spirit and determination in all activities,” Mr. Thanh shared.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nguoi-dan-ong-han-quoc-chon-theo-hoc-va-tot-nghiep-tien-si-tai-viet-nam-2428276.html