Kookmin University (President Jung Seung-ryul) held the 2025 New Year's Opening Ceremony in the Main Conference Room on Thursday, January 2. On this day, about 150 people attended the event, including Chairman Kim Ji-yong of the school corporation, President Chung Seung-ryul, and the heads of departments, faculty, and staff.

Kim Ji-yong, the chairman of the school corporation, said, “Our university has made further progress, achieving 13th place in the JoongAng Ilbo University Evaluation, as a result of the passion and dedication of all faculty members, including the president and vice president, last year.” He also said, “The passionate research and education of our faculty members and the dedicated support of our staff are the greatest assets and pride of the Kookmin University community.” In addition, Chairman Kim said, “2025 will be a year of new opportunities and possibilities for all of us,” and “I hope that we will encourage each other and grow toward bigger goals.”

“2025 should be a turning point for us to take a leap forward based on the achievements we made last year,” said Kookmin University President Jung Seung-ryul. ”In the future, there will be many changes in the higher education environment, both domestically and internationally, so it is very important to have a competitive edge that is recognized not only in Korea but also on the global stage.”

To achieve this, President Jung Seung-ryul suggested three strategies ▲ Creating a global research ecosystem ▲ Completing a global education system centered on the needs of the consumer ▲ Strengthening global networks and social responsibility. President Chung emphasized the importance of various systems and infrastructure improvements to create a truly borderless and education-free ecosystem, including global non-academic programs and dual-degree programs to support the establishment and expansion of a research infrastructure that carefully examines and supports the excellent performance of faculty members, and the settling of the major elective system.

Finally, President Jung said, “In order for Kookmin University to become a university that is closely connected to the world, strategic branding work is essential to strengthen the brand value of Kookmin University on a global level,” and “We will establish various measures such as establishing a global education program through cooperation with international organizations and strengthening cooperation with overseas universities in the process of its operation.”

Full text of President Jung Seung-ryul's New Year's Address

Dear Kookmin University Family,

The year 2025 has dawned with hope and expectation. First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all Kookmin family members who have dedicated themselves to the development of Kookmin University over the past year.

2024 was a year in which Kookmin University achieved rapid growth and laid the foundation for a leap forward. We achieved outstanding results in various areas, including faculty research, educational environment, student performance, and reputation, and as a result, our university ranked 13th in the national university evaluation, our highest ever. This is a valuable result of the passion and dedication of all of us, and I would like to once again express my gratitude and congratulations.

Now, 2025 will be an important turning point for us to move toward a higher future based on these achievements. Domestically, it is time to further strengthen our internal strength to become a top 10 university in name and reality. However, from a global perspective, our capabilities still fall short of expectations. Kookmin University must become a globally leading university that is recognized not only in Korea but also on the world stage. This is because the future higher education environment will require competition on a global level, regardless of whether it is domestic or international. To this end, I have declared 2025 as the “first year of leaping toward global leadership” and would like to propose three key agendas to realize this.

Creating a global research ecosystem

First, we need to create a research ecosystem that is suitable for global competition. We will carefully monitor the research achievements of our professors, provide them with the necessary support in the right places, and build a stable research infrastructure, including the Korea Research Institute, to lay the foundation for global-level research capabilities.

Completing a global education system centered on the needs of the customer

Second, we need to create an education system that meets global standards so that students can grow into global-competitive talents. In order to successfully implement the free major selection system, various efforts must be made to improve infrastructure, systems, and regulations, while operating global non-academic programs, expanding dual degree programs, and innovating education through international accreditation. We must also continue to strive to create a truly borderless educational ecosystem by advancing global educational programs such as KIBS.

Strengthening global networks and social responsibility

Third, we must expand our global networks and promote various projects that can contribute to and be recognized by the international community, making Kookmin University a university closely connected to the world. At the same time, strategic branding work is also essential to further strengthen the brand value of Kookmin University on a global level. To this end, we will need to establish a global education program in cooperation with international organizations such as the UN and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and strengthen cooperation with leading universities overseas in the process of its operation. Ultimately, if we can lead international cooperation projects aimed at “sustainability” and establish a system that can contribute to solving global problems, this will be a valuable opportunity to further enhance the global brand value of Kookmin University. In particular, if we link these activities with the global social responsibility activities that our university is already engaged in, such as international volunteer work and official development assistance (ODA) projects, it will contribute to expanding the university's social responsibility and strengthening its international status. Through these efforts, Kookmin University will be able to establish itself as a global leader leading the way to a sustainable future.

Year of the Blue Serpent and Kookmin University's New Leap Forward

The year 2025 is the year of the blue serpent, which symbolizes change, potential, and a new leap forward. This adds special meaning to the current moment, when Kookmin University is preparing for another great leap forward. Now, we must unleash the full potential of our university with new energy and innovation. Let us all work together as one to help Kookmin University become a globally recognized leading university that is recognized beyond Korea. Our efforts will be the cornerstone of Kookmin University's bright future.

Once again, I wish all members of the Kookmin University family a healthy and happy new year.

Happy New Year.

January 2025

President of Kookmin University

Jung Seung-ryul