Low-surface-brightness (LSB) structures serve as evidence of the intricate mass assembly of galaxies, and dedicated studies of these structures promise profound insights into the evolutionary history of galaxies. Furthermore, delving into the properties of star formation (SF) in the LSB regime can broaden our understanding of SF activity in regions characterized by low surface gas density, thereby shedding light on fundamental cosmic processes. However, systematic uncertainties may hamper the exploration of the LSB universe by limiting detectable SB levels. Indeed, despite dedicated advancements in telescope and observing techniques over decades, achieving ultra-deep photometric depths in optical wavelengths remains a formidable challenge. To overcome this challenge and explore the LSB universe that we have yet to see, we have been developing a novel telescope called K-DRIFT. This paper outlines the telescope’s specifications and describes various LSB features we aim for, explicitly focusing on nearby individual galaxies. To further advance the capabilities of the K-DRIFT survey, focused on LSB detection, we present several feasible research topics that utilize other survey data together and discuss the role of LSB observation in understanding the evolution of galaxies.

Introduction
Telescope Specifications and Observation Strategy
Primary Targets of Scientific Research
    Tidal Structures as Merger Remnants
        Stellar Streams
        Tidal Tails
        Shells
        Other Less Prominent Features
    Stellar Halos
    Dwarf Galaxies
        Satellite Dwarf Galaxies
        Ultra-Diffuse Galaxies
        Compact Elliptical Galaxies
        Dark-Matter-Deficient Galaxies
        Dark Galaxies
        Dwarf Barred Galaxies
    Galaxies within Voids
    Galaxies with Interesting Features in the Outskirts
        Extended Ultraviolet Disk Galaxies
        Giant LSB Galaxies
        Analogs of Hanny's Voorwerp
    Enhancing the Detection and Characterization of LSB Objects using ML Techniques
Role of LSB Observations in Understanding Galaxy Merger and Its Evolutionary Impact
    Tendency in Photometric Parameters of ETGs
    Tendency in Spectroscopic Parameters of ETGs
    Origin and Evolution of Star-Forming ETGs
    Formation of Elliptical Galaxies in Isolated Environments
    Merger-Induced SFR Enhancement in LTGs
    Merger-Triggered AGN Activity
Concluding Remarks
Acknowledgments
References

• Woowon Byun(Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, Daejeon 34055, Republic of Korea) Corresponding author
• Kyungwon Chun(Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, Daejeon 34055, Republic of Korea)
• Jae-Woo Kim(Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, Daejeon 34055, Republic of Korea)
• Jaewon Yoo(Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, Daejeon 34055, Republic of Korea)
• Jaehyun Lee(Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, Daejeon 34055, Republic of Korea)
• Sang-Hyun Chun(Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, Daejeon 34055, Republic of Korea)
• Soung-Chul Yang(Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, Daejeon 34055, Republic of Korea)
• Sungryong Hong(Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, Daejeon 34055, Republic of Korea)
• Yongmin Yoon(Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, Daejeon 34055, Republic of Korea, Department of Astronomy and Atmospheric Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea) Corresponding author
• Yun Hee Lee(Department of Astronomy and Atmospheric Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea)
• Jongwan Ko(Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, Daejeon 34055, Republic of Korea, Department of Astronomy and Space Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea)
• Kwang-il Seon(Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, Daejeon 34055, Republic of Korea, Department of Astronomy and Space Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea)
• Jihye Shin(Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, Daejeon 34055, Republic of Korea, Department of Astronomy and Space Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea)
• Hong Soo Park(Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, Daejeon 34055, Republic of Korea, Department of Astronomy and Space Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea)
• Jeehye Shin(Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, Daejeon 34055, Republic of Korea, Department of Astronomy and Space Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea)
• Jinsu Rhee(Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, Daejeon 34055, Republic of Korea, Department of Astronomy and Yonsei University Observatory, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea)
• Hyowon Kim(Departamento de Física, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Valparaíso, Chile, Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, Daejeon 34055, Republic of Korea)
• Gain Lee(Astronomy Program, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea)
• Ho Seong Hwang(Astronomy Program, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea, SNU Astronomy Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea, Institute for Data Innovation in Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea)
• Cristiano G. Sabiu(Natural Science Research Institute, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea)