EBS1 Science Is My Hobby Episode 103, The World of Symmetry Explained through Defconn and Évariste Galois

Must left and right be identical to be symmetrical? The world of 'symmetry' we didn't know.

Science Is My Hobby: 'Symmetry, what is it that does not change?'

- Is a symmetrical face more beautiful?! The reason why we were shocked when we synthesized symmetrical photos using scientists' faces - Solving everything from molecules to spacetime with symmetry! The power of 'symmetry' that even scientists admire - "Group theory is cute!" A topologist's explanation of group theory that even Defconn understood - Papers rejected, life ended in a duel... The great discovery left by the tragic genius mathematician Évariste Galois

* Broadcast Date/Time: Friday, October 2, 2026, at 10:50 PM, EBS1

Is it only 'symmetry' if the left and right are identical? EBS Episode 103, 'Symmetry, what is it that does not change?', which overturns the concept of symmetry we thought we knew, will be broadcast on EBS 1TV on Friday, October 2, at 10:50 PM. In this broadcast, MC Defconn meets Professor Woo Choong-wan of the Department of Global Biomedical Engineering at Sungkyunkwan University, Professor Jang Hong-je of the Department of Chemistry at Kwangwoon University, and science communicator Hangseong to meet Professor Song Yong-jin of the Department of Mathematics at Inha University to look into the world of symmetry hidden throughout science, beyond mathematics to chemistry and physics.

Is it true that the more symmetrical a face is, the more beautiful it is? To check this, split the scientists' faces in half to make them left-right symmetrical. However, contrary to expectations, the revealed photos were pure shock! Seeing the bizarre faces that turned the studio into a sea of laughter, the scientists cast doubt on the 'symmetry' we knew.

"Isn't symmetry just decalcomania?" Defconn, nervous at the appearance of a mathematician, gathers courage to ask. However, Professor Song Yong-jin surprises Defconn even more by explaining that symmetry exists not only in shapes but also in equations. Just like shapes that do not change even when flipped or rotated, Professor Song Yong-jin says that in mathematics, symmetry is an important tool for finding properties that remain the same regardless of what changes are applied. "Professor, this isn't an gifted education class!" Can Professor Song Yong-jin, who has led the South Korean delegation for the International Mathematical Olympiad for over 30 years, explain the world of symmetry so that even Defconn can understand?

Symmetry is not limited to mathematics. Professor Jang Hong-je introduces the symmetry of the molecular world through 'chirality,' where molecules are mirror images but can never be superimposed. Additionally, Dr. Hangseong reveals that symmetry also appears as an important principle in physics for understanding spacetime and celestial bodies. From a mathematician's equations to a chemist's molecules and a physicist's universe! The worlds of science, which seemed entirely different, are connected by a single principle called 'symmetry.'

There is a teenage boy who solved a famous problem using symmetry?! When discussing symmetry, the story of the genius mathematician Évariste Galois cannot be omitted. Galois, who clung to the fifth-degree equation that had tormented mathematicians for hundreds of years, focused on the structure that remains unchanged even when the roots are swapped, instead of directly finding the answers to the equation. And this new perspective later led to 'group theory,' an important field of modern mathematics. Even Defconn, who joked, "Group theory is cute!", was said to have fallen for its principles. Galois, whose papers were repeatedly not recognized and who ultimately ended his life in a pistol duel at a young age. We follow the massive traces he left in mathematics during his short life.

Starting from decalcomania to molecules, spacetime, and even group theory! EBS 'Symmetry, what is it that does not change?', where you can meet 'symmetry,' another language for looking at the world, will be broadcast on EBS 1TV on Friday, October 2, at 10:50 PM.

* Related photos are available on the EBS institutional website (about.ebs.co.kr)-Cyber PR Office-Highlights, on the corresponding broadcast date.

◆ At a Glance

· Publishing Institution: EBS

· Category: Science Is My Hobby

· Distribution: October 1

Source: EBS Press Release

Korea Social Welfare Journal is striving to deliver press releases and welfare information more easily and accurately with the help of AI technology.