Kunsan national university | South Korea
Prof. Y. J. Kang is a highly accomplished researcher and academic specializing in Aquatic Life Medicine and Biotechnology, with over two decades of experience dedicated to advancing knowledge in fish pathology, aquatic animal health, and marine biotechnology. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Aquatic Life Medicine at Kunsan National University, South Korea, Prof. Kang has established a significant reputation in the field of fish immunology, virology, and therapeutic development for aquatic organisms. His work integrates molecular biology, environmental toxicology, and bio-therapeutic innovation to enhance the sustainability of aquaculture systems and marine biodiversity. Throughout his extensive career, Prof. Kang has focused on investigating viral and bacterial diseases affecting economically important aquatic species and has contributed to the development of vaccines, immunostimulants, antibiotics, and therapeutic agents for disease control. His doctoral research at Pukyong National University (Ph.D. in Aquatic Life Medicine and Biotechnology, 2012) made pioneering advances in understanding disease resistance mechanisms in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus), particularly through the use of CpG DNA and double-stranded RNA systems to enhance innate immunity. This research provided valuable insights into molecular immunomodulation and laid the foundation for future innovations in aquaculture immunotherapy. Prof. Kang’s publication portfolio comprises more than 50 peer-reviewed research papers, reflecting his continuous contributions to aquatic medicine, virology, and environmental health sciences. His works have appeared in reputable international journals such as Aquaculture, Fish & Shellfish Immunology, and Aquatic Toxicology, covering themes like antiviral drug discovery, molecular diagnostics, immune gene regulation, and pathogen-host interactions in fish species. Notably, his recent publication, “Antiviral effects of remdesivir on fish viruses from the Rhabdoviridae family,” has received significant attention in the global research community for its novel exploration of repurposing human antivirals for aquatic applications. According to his ResearchGate and ORCID profiles, Prof. Kang’s research has accumulated over 700 citations, with an h-index of 15, indicating strong scholarly visibility and scientific influence. His collaborative projects with national and international research institutes underscore his multidisciplinary approach, bridging biomedical innovation, marine biotechnology, and environmental sustainability. A bilingual researcher fluent in Korean and English, Prof. Kang actively engages in global scientific collaborations and disseminates knowledge through conferences, workshops, and peer-review contributions. His work aligns with global initiatives promoting sustainable aquaculture and biosecurity in marine environments. In summary, Prof. Y. J. Kang stands as a prominent figure in aquatic life sciences, combining deep research expertise with innovative methodologies to strengthen disease management, enhance aquatic organism health, and foster sustainable marine biotechnology practices. His scholarly impact, reflected in 50+ publications, 700+ citations, and an h-index of 15, continues to inspire excellence and progress in the field of aquatic medicine worldwide.
Featured Publications
Kang, Y. J. (2025). Antiviral effects and mechanism of fully phosphorothioate-modified CpG-ODN 2216 in fish and human cell lines in vitro. Microbial Pathogenesis, 195, 108077. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108077
Kang, Y. J. (2024, December 25). Review of cadmium bioaccumulation in fish exposed to cadmium. Toxics, 13(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13010007
Kang, Y. J. (2024). First report and pathogenicity of Vibrio campbellii (VC<sub>AHPND</sub>) isolated in South Korea. Journal of Fish Diseases, 47, Article 13928. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfd.13928
Kang, Y. J. (2024). Process optimization for microfluidic preparation of liposomes using food-grade components. Food Chemistry, 434, 139437. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139437
Kang, Y. J. (2024). Protective effects of long double-stranded RNA with different CpG motifs against Miamiensis avidus and viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) infections in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). Fishes, 9(6), 227. https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes9060227
Kang, Y. J. (2024). The use, application, and efficacy of biofloc technology (BFT) in shrimp aquaculture industry: A review. Environmental Technology and Innovation, 34, 103345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2023.103345
Kang, Y. J. (2024). Toxic effects of microplastics (polyethylene) exposure on neurotransmitter, stress indicators, and immunity in Korean bullhead (Pseudobagrus fulvidraco). SSRN Preprints. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4791928