University in South Korea
Konkuk University
|
Emblem of Konkuk University
|
Other name
| KU
|
---|
Motto in English
| Sincerity (性, 誠),
Fidelity (新, 信),
Righteousness (의, 義)
[1]
|
---|
Type
| Private
|
---|
Established
| 1931
; 93 years ago
(
1931
)
|
---|
Chairperson
| Jaeun Yoo
[2]
|
---|
President
| Young Jae Jeon
[3]
|
---|
Director
| 7 (
incl.
chairperson):
Choi Hongkon,
Choi Gapshik,
Cho Younsoon,
Jin Choon Jo,
Kim Jin Eok,
Jun Hong Moo
|
---|
Academic staff
| 1,200 full-time faculty, 1,300 part-time faculty and international 70
[4]
|
---|
Administrative staff
| 500
[4]
|
---|
Students
| 29,600
[4]
|
---|
Other students
| 2,500 international students
[4]
|
---|
Location
| ,
South Korea
37°32′31″N
127°04′35″E
/
37.54194°N 127.07639°E
/
37.54194; 127.07639
|
---|
Campus
| Urban
|
---|
Colors
|
Green
|
---|
Mascot
| KonWoo & KonHee (
Bull
)
|
---|
Website
| www
.konkuk
.ac
.kr
|
---|
|
|
|
Hangul
| |
---|
Hanja
| |
---|
Revised Romanization
| Geonguk Daehakgyo
|
---|
McCune?Reischauer
| K?n'guk Taehakkyo
|
---|
|
---|
Konkuk University
(
Korean
:
建國大學校
;
Hanja
:
建國大學校
) is a South Korean
private university
founded in 1931 and it is one of the top universities in South Korea. The university was founded based on three virtues:
sincerity
,
fidelity
, and
righteousness
.
Konkuk University gives comprehensive education in
agricultural
and
life science
research to around 30,000 students, plus 2,500
international students
. It has two campuses: one in
Seoul
and one in
Chungju
. The
Seoul
campus is located in the
southeastern
part of the city, near the
Han River
, and is served by the
Konkuk University Station
.
History
[
edit
]
The university was founded in 1931 by Dr. Yoo Seok-chang (pen name: Sanghuh). It was originally known as the Chosen School of Politics (
Korean
:
朝鮮政治學館
;
Hanja
:
朝鮮政治學館
), and was a
junior college
for future political leaders. In 1959, the school became a "comprehensive university" and was renamed to Konkuk University (from
建國
;
建國
;
Konkuk
;
lit.
'founding a nation').
[5]
In 2016, Konkuk University celebrated its 70th anniversary. A new emblem featuring Sanghuh Hall, the original building for the Chosun School of Politics, was released in December 2015. The university also unveiled a second ox statue and held a major academic symposium.
[6]
[7]
In 2017, Konkuk University was selected for the Leaders in Industry-University Cooperation (LINC+) project by the
Ministry of Education
and the
National Research Foundation of Korea
and has been accredited by the Korean University Accreditation Institute (KUAI), of the
Korean Council for University Education
, for two consecutive periods.
Administration and organization
[
edit
]
Yoo served as the first president of Konkuk University from 1959 to 1961.
[8]
In September 2016, Sanggi Min became the university's 20th president.
[9]
The university has four executive vice presidents: provost and
executive vice president
for academic affairs, executive vice president for public affairs, executive vice president for research, and executive vice president for medicine.
[10]
The board of the Konkuk University Foundation, which governs the university, includes Chairperson Ja-eun Yoo and eleven other board members who each serve 4-year terms.
[11]
Academics
[
edit
]
Undergraduate and graduate programs
[
edit
]
As of 2021, the Seoul campus was composed of thirteen undergraduate colleges and thirteen graduate schools; the GLOCAL Campus in Chungju is composed of seven undergraduate colleges and four graduate schools.
[12]
[13]
[14]
[15]
Seoul Campus (undergraduate)
- College of Liberal Arts
- College of Science
- College of Architecture
- College of Engineering
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- College of Business Administration
- College of Veterinary Medicine
- College of Art and Design
- College of Education
- Institute of Real Estate Science
- Institute of Convergence Science and Technology
- Sanghuh College of Life Sciences
- Sanghuh College of Liberal Arts
Seoul Campus (graduate)
- Graduate School (general)
- Graduate School of Architecture
- Graduate School of Law
- Graduate School of Business Administration
- Graduate School of Public Administration
- Graduate School of Education
- Graduate School of Industry
- Graduate School of Agriculture
- Graduate School of Journalism and Public Relations
- Graduate School of Information and Communication
- Graduate School of Art and Design
- Graduate School of Real Estate
- Graduate School of Veterinary Epidemic Prevention
Chungju GLOCAL campus (undergraduate)
- College of Art and Design
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences Convergence
- College of Science and Technology
- College of Medical Life Sciences
- College of Medicine
- College of Liberal Arts
- College of Innovation Sharing
Chungju GLOCAL campus (graduate)
- Graduate School (general)
- Graduate School of Medicine
- Graduate School of Creative Convergence
- Graduate School of Education
Research institutes
[
edit
]
Konkuk University has 58 affiliated and special
research institutes
in the areas of
humanities
,
social sciences
, and
natural sciences
.
Distinguished professors
[
edit
]
Four renowned scholars held the position of distinguished professor as of the spring semester of 2018.
Konkuk Language Institute
[
edit
]
In 1990, Konkuk University Language Institute began to provide instruction in English and other foreign languages. Courses on Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Spanish, and Vietnamese are available to Konkuk University students and the general public. In 1998, the institute introduced Korean language programs for foreigners with short-term courses lasting 1?2 weeks, as well as longer 3-month courses. The institute also provides training for Korean language teachers.
[16]
Reputation and rankings
[
edit
]
Times Higher Education (THE) University Ranks
[30]
- WORLD: 2018 (#501-600), 2021 (#601-800)
- Asia: 2013 (#92), 2021 (#114)
QS University Ranks
[31]
- World: 2021 (#551-560)
- Asia: 2021 (#101)
Domestic rank and project selected by government and its scale of support fund
[
citation needed
]
- 2022 Joong-Ang Ilbo News & Media's comprehensive ranking of university evaluations #7.
- 5th place in 2019 Joong-Ang Ilbo Preference for Entrance (School Parents).
- Support of $1.62 million for 5 years for the Korea Research Foundation LINK+ project in 2017.
- Select BK21 Plus Project for 14 consecutive years in 2019 and select $2.07 million.
- The Ministry of Education's university innovation support project will be carried out for three years in 2019 with $12.1 million worth of projects.
- Project to support Humanities Korea Plus (HK+) was selected for 11 consecutive years in 2019 and is worth $6.7 million.
- 13 years in a row to support universities that contribute to high school education in 2019 and worth $10.9 million.
- Support $5.3 million for four years of selection of SW-centered university project in 2018.
- Top 5 in 2019 NCSI Customer Satisfaction Assessment (private college).
International programs
[
edit
]
Konkuk University has entered into partnership agreements with 645 institutions in 68 countries. In 2019, a total of 690 students studied abroad through
dual degree
programs, exchange programs, language courses, and short-term programs, and 730 foreign students were registered at the university.
[
citation needed
]
Exchange student program
[
edit
]
Foreign students enrolled in Konkuk University's partner universities?such as
UC Berkeley
in the United States,
University of Edinburgh
in the United Kingdom,
Erasmus University Rotterdam
in the Netherlands, and
Osaka University
in Japan?can pursue their studies at the main Seoul campus for one or two semesters. Students are selected in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the partnership agreements and only pay tuition to their home institutions.
International Summer Program and International Winter Program
[
edit
]
The International Summer Program and International Winter Program are two-week long programs that provide opportunities for foreign students wishing to learn about Korea and experience its culture. Students can take classes on Korean history, culture, and business practices, and participate in field trips and cultural events.
Undergraduate degree-seeking program qualifications
[
edit
]
- Freshman Applicants (first grade):
Applicants and their parents are foreign nationals without Korean citizenship (foreigners - non-Korean nationals, including dual nationalities). Applicants have graduated or are expected to graduate from accredited primary and secondary schools overseas (12-year education).
- Transfer Applicants (third grade):
Applicants have completed or are expected to complete at least 2 years of a 4-year undergraduate degree program with at least 50 percent of the credits required for graduation at an accredited Korean or foreign university with good academic standing. Applicants have graduated or are expected to graduate from a 2 or 3-year associate degree program at an accredited Korean or foreign college with good academic standing (except Hong Kong and Macao).
- Language Proficiency Requirements:
All applicants must submit one or more of the following documents: Applicant with a Grade 3 or higher in Korean Language Proficiency Test (TOPIK), Korean Language Program Completion Certificate issued by Konkuk Language Institute with Level 3 or above.
Graduate degree-seeking program qualifications
[
edit
]
- Common Qualifications:
The applicant must meet one of the following nationality requirements:
- A foreigner whose parents are both foreigners.
- A person who has completed all levels of education equivalent to elementary, junior high, high school, and undergraduate school in a foreign country.
- Language Proficiency:
The applicant must meet one of the following language proficiency requirements:
- Korean Language Proficiency Test (TOPIK) Level 3 or higher
- Completed Korean language level 3 or higher at Konkuk University Language Institute
- A certain level of official test of English language proficiency (refer to admission guidelines for required scores)
- If the applicant can speak only English and no Korean, he/she must consult with the department before application is processed to see whether the department will accept the application or not (required).
- In case applicant does not meet the language requirements, they can be exempted from the language proficiency requirement for a certain period at the entrance stage with the study permit and recommendation by a KU professor of the respected department or program. The applicant requests to check specific requirements for certain departments - Dept. of Korean Language & Literature, Dept. of International Commerce & Business, Dept. of Clothing, and Dept. of Literature & Art Therapy.
MA Program
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and educational attainment equivalent to a bachelor's degree approved by the law of the country of residence.
Ph.D. Program
- A master's degree from an accredited college or university and educational attainment equivalent to a master's degree approved by the law of the country of residence.
Campus
[
edit
]
Konkuk University Museum
[
edit
]
Established in 1963, Konkuk University Museum features 4,532 historical artifacts, including
Dongguk Jeongun
, one of the
National Treasures of South Korea
. The museum originated in
Nagwon-dong
,
Jongno-gu
, and in 1985 moved to the Sanghuh Memorial Hall, the building in which the Chosun School of Politics was founded. The museum is open to the public, and special lectures on Korean history and culture are given throughout the year.
[32]
[33]
Sanghuh Memorial Library
[
edit
]
Sanghuh Memorial Library serves as Konkuk University's main library. Opened in 1989, it was the largest library in Asia at the time.
[34]
As of February 2014, the library had more than 900,000 Korean books and 200,000 foreign language books. Six reading rooms with about 2,200 seats are available,
[35]
and a reading room on the third floor of the library is open 24 hours a day.
[36]
The library has interlibrary loan agreements with
Korea University
,
Dongguk University
,
Sungkyunkwan University
,
Hanyang University
,
Hankuk University of Foreign Studies
, and
Chung-Ang University
.
[37]
Ilgam Lake
[
edit
]
Ilgam Lake is located at the center of Konkuk University's Seoul campus. This swamp was converted to an artificial lake when the university moved the campus from
Nagwon-dong
to the current location in 1954. In the 1950s and 1960s, indoor ice-skating rinks were uncommon, and the lake was used for national competitions. Occupying 55,661 m
2
(599,130 sq ft), the lake accounts for approximately one-ninth of the campus area. To maintain water quality, 650 tons of underground water is added daily, and a motorboat is used to prevent
algal blooms
.
[38]
Student life and university events
[
edit
]
Konkuk University has more than 70 student clubs based on social and professional interests. At the beginning of the academic year in March, the Student Club Association holds a fair on campus to recruit new members.
Foundation Day is an annual ceremony that commemorates Yoo Seok-chang's founding of Konkuk University on May 15, 1946. It is held for students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and guests. Awards are presented to the faculty and staff who have contributed to the university. Around the same time, Konkuk University's student association organizes the Ilgam Lake Festival. This three-day long event features performances and exhibitions by college departments and student clubs. Famous K-pop celebrities are also invited to perform in a concert.
In late October, colleges and student clubs stage the Fall Art Festival to showcase their academic achievements and artistic talent. This three-day long event is organized by the Student Club Association.
[39]
Recent developments
[
edit
]
PRIME Project
[
edit
]
On May 3, Konkuk University announced that it was selected by the Korean government to participate in the Program for Industrial Needs-Matched Education (PRIME). Higher education institutions receive incentives for restructuring and training students to meet the society's needs under the project. Of the 75 universities that applied, Konkuk University,
Ewha Womans University
,
Hanyang University
's ERICA campus, and 18 other universities were chosen. As a result, Konkuk University is expected to receive up to 450 billion
won
in government funding over three years until 2018. More than 15% will be allocated for scholarships, and a significant portion will be used to improve educational programs and build infrastructure.
[40]
Konkuk Institute of Technology
[
edit
]
In 2017, Konkuk University introduced the "Konkuk Institute of Technology" to train and prepare students for industries with significant growth potential. The institute includes eight departments in energy engineering, smart vehicle engineering, smart ICT engineering, cosmetics engineering, stem cell and regenerative biology, systems biotechnology, integrative bioscience and biotechnology, and biomedical science and engineering with 333 students. Konkuk University plans to offer a 5-year BS/MS program, through which all students will receive a scholarship for their graduate education as well as a stipend of 300,000 won per month for book purchases and research, at the institute. The registration fee for all incoming students will be waived.
[40]
[41]
Plus Semester System
[
edit
]
As an alternative to the prevalent 2-semester, 4-year undergraduate programs, Konkuk University introduced the Plus Semester System which will allow students to take initiative in designing their own curriculum. The innovative system is part of an effort to make university education more student-focused and tailored to meet changing industry demands. Konkuk students will be able to choose from a variety of options, including the 2+One-Semester On-The-Job Training program, 3+1 Employment program, 7+1 Self-Designed Semester program, and 4+1 Bachelor's and master's degree program. The 2+One-Semester program allows students to gain work experience during the semester and take classes to fulfill course requirements for their majors during the vacation. For the 7+1 program, students will design their plans for external activities prior to the beginning of the semester. The activities are to develop expertise in areas of interest rather than being limited to opening a new business or finding employment. Once the plans are approved, students receive up to 15 credits once they submit completion reports. The Center for Integrated Science and Technology, which will include four departments in biotechnology and another four in engineering, will offer the 4+1 Bachelor's and master's degree program.
[42]
Transportation
[
edit
]
The Seoul campus is adjacent to the
Konkuk University Station
, which is serviced by
Seoul Subway Line 2
and
Line 7
. The circular Line 2 offers easy access to downtown Seoul within one hour. Line 7 links the northern part of the city to the popular
Gangnam District
.
Seoul buses
#240, #302, #721, #2222, #2223, #2224, #3216, #3220, and #4212 can be taken nearby the campus to different places in the city.
[43]
From
Incheon International Airport
, Limousine Bus #6013 is available every 30?40 minutes from 6:15 a.m. to 10:55 p.m for \10,000.
[44]
Notable alumni
[
edit
]
Academia
Arts and literature
Business
- Chris Nam
, president of the Federation of Korean Associations, USA
[45]
Civil service, law, and politics
Entertainment
Popular culture
[
edit
]
Konkuk University has been a popular film location for
Korean dramas
.
Twenty Again
, a 2015 Korean television series starring
Choi Ji-woo
and
Lee Sang-yoon
was filmed at the main campus in Seoul.
[46]
Cheese in the Trap
, a popular "
webtoon
" published on
Naver
since 2010 with more than 1 million viewers, was written by Konkuk University alumnus
Soonkki
[
ko
]
. Many illustrations were based on Konkuk University buildings, including the museum and library.
[47]
Affiliates
[
edit
]
- Konkuk University Middle School
[48]
- Konkuk University High School
[49]
- Konkuk University Medical Center (KUMC): Located on the west side of the Seoul campus, the current state-of-the-art facility was opened in August 2005 with 875 beds. In 2011, the
World Health Organization
certified KUMC as a
Health promoting hospital
and the Korean government also designated KUMC as a “senior medical center” specializing in cancer and cardiovascular diseases. An international clinic for foreign patients has been operating since 2010.
[50]
[51]
- Konkuk Dairy & Ham
[52]
- Konkuk Asset Management Corporation
[53]
- The Classic 500
[54]
- Smart KU Golf Pavilion
[55]
See also
[
edit
]
References
[
edit
]
- ^
"Konkuk University ? Educational Philosophy & Goals"
.
Archived
from the original on January 14, 2016
. Retrieved
February 2,
2016
.
- ^
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.
Archived
from the original on May 20, 2017
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May 23,
2017
.
- ^
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.
Archived
from the original on December 31, 2014
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.
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a
b
c
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September 29,
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. Konkuk University.
Archived
from the original on 2022-11-24
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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- ^
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.
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- ^
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. Academic Ranking of World Universities
. Retrieved
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.
{{
cite web
}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (
link
)
- ^
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. QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited. 2024
. Retrieved
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.
- ^
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. Retrieved
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.
- ^
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. Institute of Higher Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University. 2023
. Retrieved
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. QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited. 2025
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Archived
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Archived
from the original on February 3, 2016
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.
- ^
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Archived
from the original on February 3, 2016
. Retrieved
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.
- ^
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(in Korean). Chosun.
Archived
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. Retrieved
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.
- ^
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.
Archived
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. Retrieved
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.
- ^
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.
Archived
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. Retrieved
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.
- ^
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.
Archived
from the original on September 27, 2023
. Retrieved
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.
- ^
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Archived
from the original on February 3, 2016
. Retrieved
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.
- ^
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. Konkuk University.
Archived
from the original on February 25, 2017
. Retrieved
October 12,
2016
.
- ^
a
b
"KU Chosen for the PRIME Project by the National Government"
.
Archived
from the original on August 11, 2018
. Retrieved
October 12,
2016
.
- ^
"Konkuk Institute of Technology Recognized as Korea's Grande Ecole"
.
Archived
from the original on August 11, 2018
. Retrieved
January 19,
2017
.
- ^
"
"Plus Semester" System Introduced at KU"
.
Archived
from the original on January 26, 2022
. Retrieved
October 12,
2016
.
- ^
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. Konkuk University.
Archived
from the original on February 5, 2016
. Retrieved
February 2,
2016
.
- ^
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(in Korean). Airport Limousine co., Ltd.
Archived
from the original on February 5, 2016
. Retrieved
February 3,
2016
.
- ^
"美洲總聯 남문기 會長 建國大서 名譽博士"
.
The Hankyoreh
. 2009-08-24.
Archived
from the original on 2014-04-13
. Retrieved
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.
- ^
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"
(in Korean). 29 August 2015.
Archived
from the original on September 7, 2015
. Retrieved
February 2,
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.
- ^
"Cheese in Konkuk University, Background for Webtoon "Cheese in the Trap"
"
(in Korean).
Archived
from the original on March 2, 2016
. Retrieved
February 15,
2016
.
- ^
"Konkuk University Middle School"
(in Korean).
Archived
from the original on February 7, 2016
. Retrieved
February 2,
2016
.
- ^
"Konkuk University High School"
(in Korean). Archived from
the original
on 2016-01-30
. Retrieved
February 2,
2016
.
- ^
"Konkuk University Medical Center"
.
Archived
from the original on March 22, 2016
. Retrieved
February 2,
2016
.
- ^
"Konkuk University Medical Center (KUMC)"
. Konkuk University.
Archived
from the original on February 5, 2016
. Retrieved
February 2,
2016
.
- ^
"Konkuk Dairy & Ham"
.
Archived
from the original on February 2, 2016
. Retrieved
February 2,
2016
.
- ^
"Konkuk Asset Management Corporation"
(in Korean). Archived from
the original
on 2009-05-02
. Retrieved
February 2,
2016
.
- ^
"The Classic 500"
(in Korean).
Archived
from the original on January 30, 2016
. Retrieved
February 2,
2016
.
- ^
"Smart KU Golf Pavilion"
(in Korean).
Archived
from the original on February 5, 2016
. Retrieved
February 2,
2016
.
External links
[
edit
]