Robotics Expert Dennis Hong to Appear on Crazy Rich Koreans

Dennis Hong, a robotics engineer known for developing a driving assistance system for visually impaired individuals and the mini-humanoid robot 'Darwin OP', is set to appear on the KBS2 reality show Crazy Rich Koreans (크레이지 리치 코리안). According to reports from OSEN on June 29, 2025, Hong has completed filming for the show.

A Korean-American, Dennis Hong pursued mechanical engineering at Korea University before graduating from the University of Wisconsin and earning his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Purdue University. He currently serves as a professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at UCLA.

Hong has previously appeared on shows such as Problematic Men (문제적남자) in 2017 and You Quiz on the Block (유 퀴즈 온 더 블럭) in 2023. He has made significant contributions to the field, including the creation of driving assistance systems for the visually impaired, rescue robots, and prosthetic limbs, earning him the 'Young Scientist Award' from the NSF in 2007.

In 2009, he was recognized as one of the '10 Young Geniuses Shaking Up Science'. He played a pivotal role in the early development of humanoid robotics by publicly sharing the design of the 'Darwin OP', which has advanced the field of mini-humanoid robots.

Known as the 'Leonardo da Vinci of Robotics', Hong shared on You Quiz that he once had a feature article in The Washington Post. He expressed his pride in being recognized not just for genius but for his ability to explore multiple fields, stating, "I dig many wells rather than going deep into one. I think that inspires many and provides opportunities."

Crazy Rich Koreans focuses on the extraordinary lives and attitudes of Koreans dedicated to their professions around the world, airing every Sunday at 9:20 PM.