Since Prof. Mu Shik Jhon passed away unexpectedly on 13 August 2004, the Korean Academy of Science and Technology have received many letters of condolences from academicians across the world, expressing their deep regret and grief. A few AASA Board members proposed, in their letter of condolences, to hold the 2005 AASA meeting and symposium in dedication to Prof. Mu Shik Jhon.

In this connection, the Korean Academy of Science and Technology made a proposal at the 5 th AASA General Assembly held on 27 September 2004 in Dalian, China, to invite the 6 th AASA General Assembly and International Symposium to Korea and dedicate the occasion to the late Prof. Mu Shik Jhon, Honorary and Founding President of the Association of Academies of Sciences in Asia (AASA) and Former President of the Korean Academy of Science and Technology (KAST).

In its proposal, KAST mentioned that “Seoul is the appropriate place to hold such a symposium dedicated to Prof. Jhon because there are many disciples and colleagues of Prof. Jhon who are looking forward to exchanging memories and information on Prof. Jhon and his outstanding research work.”

The proposal was accepted by AASA board members and General Assembly.