Head of Kookmin University’s 
Board of Directors
Kim Ji Yong

Hello everyone,
I am Kim Ji-Yong, head of Kookmin University’s board of directors.

First of all, I would like to sincerely congratulate the graduates of the latter half of 2020, who have overcome many challenges over the years. I would also like to express my deep appreciation to everyone who helped them throughout their journey, including their parents, professors, and all faculty members. 

As you all know, flowing water can only move forward after first filling up an empty pond. You will encounter many such pond after you leave the university. You may be tempted to skip over or avoid these ponds, but you have to remember that the pond must first fill up before the water can flow. This means that you must take care not to rush or feel overly proud of moving faster than others. The longer it takes for your pond to fill up, the more abundant and fulfilling the pond that you create will be in the end—this is the way of nature. So, please be patient in pursuing your goals and take small and steady steps along the way.    

Also, please do not settle and always seek out new challenges. King Tang of the Shang Dynasty of ancient China once engraved the message “Every day is a new day, and you are renewed day by day” on the basin he used to wash his face to remind himself of this precious lesson every morning before he started his day. I would also like to advise you to never stop learning new things in life. This will allow you to live meaningfully and prevent you from settling for what you already have. 

Much like the nodes at each end of the segments of a bamboo tree, graduation is not the end; rather, it is the beginning of a period of greater development. Every meeting is eventually followed by a separation. I am sad to have to say goodbye to you, but now is the time for you to go out and live your own lives in the world. As someone once said, “The person who chooses poverty is richer than the person who falls into wealth." This means that we must take responsibility for the choices we make, and I hope that you will take full responsibility for all of your decisions. Please be proud as graduates of Kookmin University, live wonderful lives, and do not forget to always take responsi- bility for your choices. Make sure that the dreams you have built at the Bugak campus come alive and work to become an integral part of our society and great help to your communities. I am sure that you are all capable of doing this!

Once again, congratulations on your graduation! I hope you have healthy and happy lives.
Thank you. Aug. 18, 2021