Kookmin University (President Jeong Seung Ryul) held the “2025 Fall Semester Commencement Ceremony” on Wednesday, August 19, to mark its 80th anniversary, with separate ceremonies organized by each college and graduate school. A total of 1,722 students received their degrees at the ceremony, including 994 bachelor’s, 608 master’s, and 120 doctoral degrees.

This year’s commencement ceremony held special significance as it took place in the year Kookmin University marks its 80th anniversary. Building on its achievements over the past 80 years, Kookmin University is preparing for a new leap forward by implementing its mid- to long-term development strategy, “KMU VISION 2035: EDGE.”

With the vision of being “a university that sets the standard for higher education,” Kookmin University is advancing its education, research, and industry-academia collaboration systems by focusing on four major development strategies and eight areas of specialization. Furthermore, through its 80th-anniversary slogan, “Make the Rule, Break the Rule,” the university has outlined its direction for challenge and innovation as it moves beyond existing standards to establish new ones.

Various projects commemorating the university’s 80th anniversary are also underway. Following last year’s “Quantum Campus Proclamation Ceremony” and “Vision Proclamation Ceremony,” this year the university is implementing a range of 80th-anniversary initiatives to share its historical assets and identity with its members and the broader community—including the creation and distribution of the 80th-anniversary fonts “Seonggok” and “Ha-ong,” which embody the university’s history and founding spirit.

Innovation in education is also continuing. Kookmin University has established the College of Quantum Convergence and the College of Bio-Convergence, and has expanded efforts to improve the educational environment using AI and digital technologies, implement convergence education that responds to changes in industry and society, and provide personalized learning and career support for students. Through these efforts, the university is strengthening the foundation for nurturing talent equipped with the convergent thinking and problem-solving skills required by future society.

In his congratulatory address, President Jeong Seung Ryul stated “This year marks Kookmin University’s 80th anniversary—a meaningful year in which we reflect on our past growth and move toward a new future,” he said. “Just as Kookmin University is preparing for the future through ‘KMU VISION 2035: EDGE’ based on its 80-year history, I hope that you, who are receiving your degrees today and standing at a new starting line, will also expand your own possibilities based on the knowledge and experience you have gained at the university.”

He continued “The 80th anniversary slogan, ‘Make the Rule, Break the Rule,’ embodies Kookmin University’s spirit of not settling for existing standards, but instead creating new ones and constantly taking on challenges,” he said. “I hope that you, our graduates, will grow into ‘Kookmin University graduates who embrace challenges’—pioneering your own paths and setting new standards in your respective fields rather than simply following a predetermined path. Kookmin University will always stand by you and cheer you on as you embark on this new chapter and take on new challenges.”

△ Photo: Kookmin University’s Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony

△ Photo: Kookmin University’s Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony