[DigitalToday reporter Jin-ho Lee] The National Radio Research Agency will strengthen research into next-generation radio technologies such as 6G, terahertz and quantum communications to mark its 60th anniversary. It will also upgrade AI-based frequency interference analysis and electromagnetic-wave forecasting technologies.

The Ministry of Science and ICT's National Radio Research Agency held a ceremony on July 29 at its campus in the Gwangju-Jeonnam joint innovation city to mark the agency's 60th anniversary.

The event, under the slogan, "A 60-year foundation built with radio waves, opening the future of the AI and digital great transformation," was set up to look back on achievements in radio research over the past 60 years and to pledge a leap into becoming a radio innovation institution leading the era of AI and digital transformation.

The ceremony was attended by about 200 people, including the head of the Information Security and Network Office at the science ministry, former agency chiefs, heads of related institutions and officials from industry, academia and research. It included radio-technology demonstrations and a promotional art wall exhibition. A congratulatory address by the head of the Information Security and Network Office, a commemorative speech by Chang-rim Jeong (정창림), head of the National Radio Research Agency, video congratulatory messages from people at related overseas institutions, awards for contributors to the development of radio research and industry, and a declaration of a future-vision slogan followed.

Over the past 60 years, the agency has supported South Korea's radio and communications industry, including by backing the world's first commercialisation of 5G and global standardisation and by expanding mutual recognition agreements for conformity assessments of broadcasting and communications equipment to 33 countries worldwide.

Going forward, it plans to lead research into next-generation radio technologies such as 6G, terahertz and quantum communications and to develop AI-based frequency interference analysis and electromagnetic-wave forecasting technologies. It will also focus on preparing proactive systems to respond to technological change.

Chang-rim Jeong, head of the National Radio Research Agency, said the agency has worked closely with industry, academia and the research community over the past 60 years to develop radio resources and lay the foundation for safe radio use. He said it will fulfil its role as a national radio research institution leading the AI and digital great transformation through the convergence of AI and radio technology.