KAIST earned a back-to-back win by emerging victorious in the 20th KAIST-POSTECH Science War (KAPO War) held from September 22 to 23, conquering six of the seven events. KAPO War allows cultural exchange between students from the two universities — not only among the competing representatives, but also among students who cheer for their respective teams.

Since this annual event started in 2002, KAIST is in the lead with a total of 10 victories, while POSTECH is right behind with 8 victories; one match was drawn in 2009. While it is tradition to host the festival at each university alternately, KAIST hosted the KAPO War for the first time in four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020 and 2021, during the pandemic, an online KAPO War consisting of a science quiz, artificial intelligence (AI), League of Legends (LoL), KartRider, and hacking was held instead. POSTECH won both online KAPO War matches, which are not included in the record. Last year was the resumption of the formal KAPO War in Pohang, which resulted in a 6:1 KAIST victory.

The festival began with the opening ceremony at the Lyu Keun-Chul Sports Complex (N3). The first event was a soccer match held at the stadium (E17) which concluded in a 1:0 KAIST victory. Next, the hacking competition was held for 12 hours at the Kim Beang-Ho & Kim Sam-Youl ITC Building (N1). KAIST also emerged victorious in this event, winning 13872:10382. Lastly, a best-of-3 LoL event was held at Daejeon Dream Arena, at which KAIST also won, 2:0. To conclude the first day, performances and special videos were prepared and presented by several clubs from both universities.

Carrying the momentum from the resounding day one victory, KAIST earned another victory in baseball by 6:3, which was held at the north stadium, next to Tae Wul Gwan (N13). In a massive upset, KAIST’s win streak was broken after POSTECH claimed its first victory in the AI event held at N3, 4:1. KAIST immediately bounced back with another victory in the science quiz, 44:16. KAIST finished strong by winning the last game, which was basketball, 66:45.

To prepare for such a great event, many students from both universities have worked very hard. Several booths were run by students in the alley between N13 and the kickball court to provide entertainment. Three friendly matches were also held for badminton, LoL, and FIFA. Through the two days of the KAPO War, KAIST and POSTECH hope to inspire active cultural exchange and harmony among the students and give them a break away from academic stress.