[Alumni] POSTECH Alumnus Jin Eon Baek Solves a Long-Standing Geometry Problem

(Jin Eon Baek)

Dr. Jin Eon Baek, a top graduate of the Department of Mathematics at POSTECH and currently a Fellow at the Huh Jun I Institute for Mathematical Challenges at the Korea Institute for Advanced Study (KIAS), has drawn international attention for resolving a geometric problem that had remained unsolved for nearly 60 years. 

 The problem, known as the Moving Sofa Problem, asks a deceptively simple question: what is the largest possible shape that can be moved through an L-shaped corridor of fixed width? While easy to visualize, the problem has long resisted rigorous mathematical proof due to the infinitely many possible shapes and movements involved. 

 Dr. Baek demonstrated, through purely logical and theoretical reasoning, that no shape larger than the best-known candidate proposed in earlier research can exist. His work provides the first definitive answer to this classic problem in geometry. The results are presented in a comprehensive research paper that is currently undergoing international peer review. 

 The study is widely regarded as a significant contribution that expands the theoretical boundaries of geometry and has been featured by major international science media outlets. 

 Dr. Baek is now continuing his research at KIAS, focusing on geometric optimization problems and other fundamental challenges in mathematics. He actively uses artificial intelligence as a research tool, while emphasizing that the choice of meaningful problems and overall research strategy remains a uniquely human endeavor. 

 As a distinguished alumnus of POSTECH, Dr. Baek’s achievement highlights the growing global impact of Korean mathematical research and serves as a source of pride for the POSTECH mathematics community.