SESSION 1

June 19th, 2025 (THU) | 11:30-12:00

Driving Innovation in Military Training Systems Amid Digital Transformation: The Strategic Role of Unreal Engine

KAI, Director&Head Dong Hoon Lee & Epic Games Korea, Business Development Director, Enterprise Kwangsub Shin

PART 1. SPEAKER

Dong Hoon Lee, Director and Head of the M&S Laboratory at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) – Military Training Media Expert

Dong Hoon Lee is a seasoned developer and director with 25 years of experience, overseeing all Modeling & Simulation (M&S) business areas at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), including the development and production of various aircraft training systems. He has contributed significantly to the localization of simulators not only for aircraft such as fighters and helicopters but also for submarines and surface ships. Recently, he has been particularly focused on innovating military training media by leveraging Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies.

He has worked extensively on VR/MR applications based on commercial real-time 3D engines, spatial digital twins, and AI-powered flight simulators, striving to introduce new training solutions for the military.

About Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)

Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI) has led the nation’s aerospace industry for the past 40 years as Korea’s premier aerospace system integrator. KAI has been pivotal in safeguarding national security and strengthening Korea’s airpower with successful developments such as the KT-1 basic trainer, T-50 advanced trainer, KUH-1 Surion utility helicopter, and the Songgolmae UAV.

Building on this legacy, KAI has successfully developed the Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) tailored for modern battlefield needs and is actively advancing the KF-21 Boramae, Korea’s next-generation fighter jet program, which is considered a key future asset.

Furthermore, KAI is expanding into the space sector, having contributed to projects such as multipurpose satellites, geostationary composite satellites, the next-generation medium satellite program (led for the first time by a private company), military reconnaissance satellites, and the final assembly of Korea’s domestic launch vehicles.

KAI is committed to becoming the world’s 7th-largest global aerospace company by 2050, targeting 40 trillion KRW in revenue. To achieve this, the company continues to invest heavily in research and development, focusing on core technologies such as manned-unmanned teaming systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, satellites, surveillance and reconnaissance, and synthetic training systems.

Additionally, KAI is preparing for new growth engines like the New Space industry while securing key software technologies across AI, big data, and autonomous systems to evolve into a high-value-added enterprise.

Kwangsub Shin, Business Development Director, Enterprise at Epic Games Korea – Expert in Connecting Digital Transformation Across Industries with Unreal Engine

Kwangsub Shin serves as the Head of Business Development at Epic Games Korea, where he supports domestic enterprises in formulating and executing digital transformation strategies using Unreal Engine. Beyond gaming, he collaborates closely with companies and institutions across various industries—such as the metaverse, media and entertainment, manufacturing, automotive, and architecture—to help them realize tangible value through real-time 3D technology.

He is also actively engaged with the developer and creator community, promoting practical education, technical consulting, and technical support based on ongoing communication. Through the integrated application of real-time 3D technology across industry boundaries, he is dedicated to empowering Korean companies to drive digital transformation initiatives leveraging Unreal Engine.

About Epic Games Korea

Founded in 1991 by Tim Sweeney, Epic Games is headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, and operates more than 50 offices worldwide. Epic Games leads the interactive entertainment industry and provides cutting-edge 3D engine technology.

Epic is the creator of Fortnite, one of the world’s largest games, and operates platforms such as Fortnite, Fall Guys, Rocket League, and the Epic Games Store, connecting over 600 million accounts and 5 billion friend connections globally.

In addition, Epic is renowned for developing Unreal Engine, a leading real-time 3D tool used not only for world-class game production but also across industries including film, television, architecture, automotive, manufacturing, and simulation.

Through Unreal Engine, the Epic Games Store, and Epic Online Services, Epic Games provides a robust digital ecosystem that enables developers and creators to build, distribute, and operate a wide range of content, from games to immersive experiences.

PART 2. INTERVIEW

Q. Please introduce yourself and your current role at the company.

Dong Hoon Lee, Director at KAI 
I lead the commercialization and execution of the defense Modeling & Simulation (M&S) sector at KAI, including related research and development as well as follow-on support activities. Since joining KAI in 2000, I have been involved in the development of simulators, contributing to the internalization of simulator technologies. I am committed to driving innovation in training media to keep pace with the rapidly evolving defense environment.

Kwangsub Shin, Business Development Director, Enterprise at Epic Games Korea
I support domestic companies in formulating and executing digital transformation strategies based on Unreal Engine. Through industry-specific collaboration and the broader dissemination of technology, I strive to deliver the value of real-time 3D technology. By promoting cross-industry technology convergence and creative applications, I aim to explore new business opportunities together with our partners.

Q. Please introduce your company and department.

Dong Hoon Lee, Director at KAI 
The M&S Laboratory at KAI traditionally focuses on the research and development of various simulators for pilot and maintenance training, as well as educational media. We are also actively involved in the development of various defense information systems. With a team of over 150 developers, we design, build, and test key software and subsystems in-house, while also planning and managing projects. It is the largest dedicated defense M&S Integrated Project Team (IPT) organization in Korea.

Kwangsub Shin, Business Development Director, Enterprise at Epic Games Korea
Epic Games is a global technology leader in interactive 3D technology, best known for Unreal Engine. Beyond gaming, we provide real-time 3D solutions across industries such as manufacturing, architecture, automotive, and media. The Business Development team supports the practical adoption of Unreal Engine through industry-specific partnerships, technical consulting, and education programs.

Q. Could you introduce any projects you are currently working on that utilize virtual reality technology?

Dong Hoon Lee, Director at KAI 
Due to security requirements, I am unable to disclose specific details. However, KAI has been developing simulators that apply VR and MR technologies to fighter jets and helicopters, focusing on compact, operationally efficient systems. Over the past few years, we have progressively unveiled these simulators, and by the end of this year, they will be officially deployed into active service. Additionally, we are conducting system development projects aimed at supplying VR-based pilot and maintenance training equipment for export markets.

Kwangsub Shin, Business Development Director, Enterprise at Epic Games Korea
At this year’s MVEX, we plan to highlight Korea Aerospace Industries’ aircraft simulators and maintenance training programs. In addition, major Korean manufacturing companies such as Hyundai Motor Company, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, and many others are accelerating their digital transformation initiatives through the adoption of Unreal Engine.

Q. Please introduce your partner company.

Dong Hoon Lee, Director at KAI 
Epic Games, the creator of Unreal Engine, is already a dominant leader in the real-time 3D engine sector, driven by relentless innovation. Despite its strong market position, Epic Games continues to actively collaborate and engage with developers in lower-margin sectors such as defense applications, including companies like KAI. Through this close cooperation, their dedicated teams consistently implement and deliver new functionalities for the simulation ecosystem without hesitation. I am confident that Unreal Engine will become the optimal tool for bridging virtual reality and artificial intelligence with real-world human interaction.

Q. What possibilities will you be sharing at the upcoming META AI View Summit? Could you give us a sneak peek of your presentation?

Dong Hoon Lee, Director at KAI 
At the META AI View Summit, KAI will introduce case studies on the application of virtual reality technology in defense training media. Although the defense sector has long shown interest in the utilization of VR technologies, actual implementation had often been hindered by the low maturity of wearable devices and the limited performance of available software. However, after the surge of interest during the Metaverse boom and now amidst the rapidly evolving AI era, the quality and capabilities of related technologies and devices have significantly improved. At this pivotal moment, we aim to revisit the practical applications of VR in defense and explore what types of training media we may encounter in the near future.

Kwangsub Shin, Business Development Director, Enterprise at Epic Games Korea
Real-time 3D technology and XR technologies based on it have evolved beyond simple immersive experiences to become tools that are transforming workflows and decision-making structures across industries.

In my presentation, I will share insights into how real-time 3D technology and Unreal Engine are turning potential into reality in actual business environments. I will particularly focus on practical use cases in industries such as manufacturing and architecture, offering attendees tangible insights into real-world applications.