Bang Si-hyuk receives honorary doctorate degree from Seoul National University

Founder of HYBE Bang Si-hyuk gives a speech during Seoul National University's conferment ceremony after receiving his honorary doctorate degree in business. [HYBE]

"Father of BTS" Bang Si-hyuk, 51, was bestowed an honorary doctorate degree in business from Seoul National University (SNU) on Thursday, according to HYBE.

As the first person in the field of pop culture to receive the honor, Choi Hae-cheon, SNU's vice president for research affairs and dean of graduate school, credited him during the conferment ceremony at SNU in Gwanak District, southern Seoul, for spreading Korean culture across the globe and “exerting a good influence on all parts of the world” through cultural activities, moving “beyond race and generation.”

Bang responded, "HYBE will continue to think about the convergence of technology and culture to shape the future of the music industry. As a businessman and an entrepreneur, I will always stick to the fundamentals of what a company should be about and work with a sense of responsibility."

The honorary degree is usually given out to politicians, scholars and figures such as anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Mandela, Myanmar’s civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, late Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Kun-hee and former United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

Bang is a lyricist, composer and producer who founded HYBE in 2005. He currently sits as the chairman and board of directors of the entertainment company. It created the global phenomenon BTS in 2013.

Bang received a bachelor's degree in aesthetics from SNU in 1997.

BY LEE JIAN [lee.jian@joongang.co.kr]