Solves a 30 Year-long Unsolved Math Problem, Professor Han Sang-eon
Professor Han developed the “LFC-rough set theory” combined with digital topology and the rough set theory. He also wrote 25 SCI (Science Citation Index) papers in two years. Professor Han’s theory can model both finite and infinite information as finite information for efficient processing. This theory was the decisive instrument in solving the 30-year long unsolved math problem. According to the top 20 universities’ average number of papers in the most recent five years, the quantity of Professor Han’s papers amounted to 10 times higher than other contributors. Aren’t you curious about how he can produce so many papers and become the world authority on math? Let’s find out together!
Please explain “LFC-rough set theory” you’ve solved and a simple process of resolution.
Let’s suppose a bottle with water inside is in a box. When I ask where the bottle is, the answer is not only inside the box, but also outside of the water. The bigger the gap between inside and outside, the lower the value of information. The problem I solved has this principle. There were several theories needed to solve rough theory, so since 1998, I have been reading and researching all related papers. In particular, I used my major subject, digital topology, to solve it. Thus, I could create my thesis, and at the same time, earn a good reputation for the idea of the century.
How did you feel when you solved it?
That was just the process of my life and my joy. In the study of Education and Psychology say self-realization is the best happiness of man. I think happiness becomes reality when you realize something through creativity. However, it’s not a thing that can be achieved in a short time, it must be achieved when you invest a lot of time and effort, and do things step by step. So, when you realize something after all, your efforts, joy and happiness are indescribable. The happiness I experienced was truly unimaginable. The happiness I experienced was similar to the feeling that babies feel when playing around in the bed.
You have written 25 SCI papers in two years!
What is your secret of tenacity?
Tenacity can be maintained by energy occurred from clear motivation of your work and successes, even small ones. In my experience, I play tennis with my coworkers for 2 hours, and I drink milk and eat bread and study. During the time when I can concentrate efficiently, I research continuously because I recharge my enjoyment regularly. Also, when I get a A bottle in a box feedback in the process of writing papers, and when it finally gets accepted, I feel like, ‘Wow, I did it well’. Good pieces of work come out when you also think it’s good.
You are preparing for ICIAM 2019 in Valencia.
What topic will you present?
[ICIAM: The International Council for Industrial and Applied Mathematics.
ICIAM 2019 was held on July 15th in Valencia, Spain.] The topic is ‘Digital topological rough set structures and their applications’. Based on finite rough sets, I am going to introduce my field of expertise, digital topological rough sets and the applications. This presentation can facilitate the study of the fields of objects or image classification, pattern recognition, computational topology, discrete geometry, rough set theory, and more. I’m very excited to present my speech in front of my peers, all of them prestigious researchers and mathematicians.
What does ‘Mathematics’ mean to you?
Mathematics is a study like poetry. Because math is possible to think without being limited by space and can be compress into a few lines like a poem that connotes feelings or situations in one word. Originally, math and life science, inorganic chemistry are the areas that have interested me in since I was a high school student. However, as time passed, I thought that mathematics was the major source of them, and at the same time I realized that it made people happy. So, I had a dream of teaching math. Do you have anything to say to CBNU students? ‘What is your concern these days?’ I hope that students can answer this question, because if you have concerns, you will try even more to think about how to solve this problem. So, students need to have a sense of purpose, and history, too. When you look back through years passed, you realize good and bad things that happened. From this reflection, you can reduce your trials and errors, by avoiding making errors in the first place. Lastly, regardless of how many, you should make friends with an open mind.
What does ‘Mathematics’ mean to you?
Mathematics is a study like poetry. Because math is possible to think without being limited by space and can be compress into a few lines like a poem that connotes feelings or situations in one word. Originally, math and life science, inorganic chemistry are the areas that have interested me in since I was a high school student. However, as time passed, I thought that mathematics was the major source of them, and at the same time I realized that it made people happy. So, I had a dream of teaching math.
Do you have anything to say to CBNU students?
‘What is your concern these days?’ I hope that students can answer this question, because if you have concerns, you will try even more to think about how to solve this problem. So, students need to have a sense of purpose, and history, too. When you look back through years passed, you realize good and bad things that happened. From this reflection, you can reduce your trials and errors, by avoiding making errors in the first place. Lastly, regardless of how many, you should make friends with an open mind.
Do you have a fear of solving mathematical problems?
Prof. Han shares five tips with you.
1. Pay attention to new characteristics of things beside you.
2. On the basis of the basics, understand the principles and make them your own.
3. Have conversations with yourself every day.
4. Interpret the problems through creative thinking.
5. Try to advance ideas of the questions based on positive thinking.
Professor Han Sang-eon showed the true value of an "effort-type genius" with his ceaseless efforts and spirit of challenge.
Why don't we develop tenacity and passion and pick up an interest in solving problems?