Kookmin University (President Jeong Seung Ryul) and the Haegong Scholarship Foundation (Chairman Kim Hyung-nam, President of the Kookmin University Alumni Association) held a board meeting at the Kookmin University Alumni Hall on the afternoon of Tuesday, February 24. They selected the ‘2026 Haegong Academic Scholarship Recipients’ and held a scholarship certificate award ceremony.

This year's scholarship recipients include three students: Kim Eun-young (Sociology, 3rd year), Lee Si-on (Software Engineering, 3rd year), and Chae Gyu-hyun (Food and Nutrition, 3rd year). This scholarship selection process was rigorous and fair, involving an initial screening based on academic performance and essay evaluation to select twice the number of candidates needed. The final selection combined the results of the first screening (50%) with an in-depth final interview (50%). Selected students will receive full tuition coverage for one year, along with a separate academic incentive stipend.

The Haegong Scholarship Foundation is a foundation established to carry forward the ‘Education Saves the Nation’ ideology of Haegong Shin Ik-hee, the founder of Kookmin University, and to realize the humanization, specialization, and popularization of university education. Its core goal is to cultivate next-generation leaders equipped with both a strong spirit and comprehensive expertise. Since awarding its first scholarships in 1991, it has generously provided a cumulative total of 914.4 million won to students, serving as a steadfast support system.

Notably, Haegong Scholarship Foundation's ongoing scholarship programs operate on the foundation of strong support and participation from Kookmin University alumni. Among these, the ‘Small Donation System’—where alumni can participate effortlessly starting from just 2,500 won per person—has become highly active. This system, fueled by the collective goodwill of seniors, has established itself as the core driving force of a virtuous cycle that supports juniors' academic pursuits.

Chairman Kim Hyeong-nam, who presided over the award ceremony, encouraged the recipients: “The 2,500 won sent monthly by seniors, saved from the cost of a cup of coffee, has gathered to become a solid seed supporting your dreams today.” He added, “Carry on the spirit of Haegong Shin Ik-hee and grow into outstanding talents contributing to society. We hope you will become proud Kookmin University alumni who, in turn, practice giving back to future juniors.”

Student Kim Eun-young, speaking on behalf of the scholarship recipients, shared her aspirations: “I will not let this support remain merely a personal achievement. I will grow into a talent who analyzes our society's structures and contemplates practical alternatives, ensuring that recovery speeds do not vary based on an individual's social position or background amidst climate crises and disasters.”