All Ph.D., Master’s, Bachelor’s graduates, congratulations!
I sincerely wish you all the best in your new beginnings.
After countless days of study and research, leaving behind the sweat, tears, and regrets experienced along the way, you stand here today in this glorious place. Even though there are even greater challenges and tasks ahead of you, for today, you deserve to be proud of yourself. Rejoice in the fact that through your own efforts, you have successfully completed an important phase of your life.
But I also want you to remember the many people who have supported and cheered you on, in both visible and invisible ways, to get you to where you are today. I hope you will share your gratitude and joy with your families, who have stood by your side every step of the way and generously helped you grow, as well as your professors, who have guided you academically and personally with their profound teaching, and, finally, the university staff, who have provided constant administrative support to make it all happen. Furthermore, I hope you will keep in mind the expectations of the people of Korea who have made education and research at Seoul National University possible.
Undergraduate graduates, who have completed your studies and prepared for the future, and are embarking on a new journey in search of new possibilities! Master's and doctoral graduates, who are stepping out into the wider world with the proud fruits of your tireless research!
As graduates of Seoul National University, you are now taking your first steps into the world, and they will be powerful ones. Even throughout the challenges of the pandemic, you have realized unparalleled potential while faithfully pursuing our curriculum. Now, you will go on to become the best professionals in your respective fields. The journey will not always be easy, but I have no doubt that you will overcome each challenge with grace, as you have done so far.
My request to you today is that you not only become experts in your fields, but also strive to become leaders for the good of our society and humanity.
Over the past few decades, we have witnessed how deep advances made through segmentation and specialization can lead to greater achievements through the process of integration and convergence. The development and evolution of the smartphone, which has brought about tremendous economic, social, and cultural changes and advancements; the development and growth of artificial intelligence, which has become one of the most important topics in every field over the past few years; and research and action on climate and environmental issues, on which the future of humanity depends, have all been and will continue to be based on close communication and collaboration among experts in various fields.
Great leaders today are not recognized just for being the best at what they do in their respective fields. They are those who are also able to discover new possibilities and generate collaboration and creative convergence in areas that may seem, at first glance, distant and only loosely related to their disciplines.
Today's leadership must also be a collaborative leadership for the common good, which requires not only open curiosity about other areas of expertise, but also a sense of responsibility as a community member, and empathy and care for others. It is only when you, as warm-hearted individuals, constantly seek to "outreach" to other areas and people, rather than staying within your own domain, that you can develop the leadership required for a better tomorrow.
In this regard, the life of Dr. Yoon Duk Oh, Chairman of the Sarangsam Foundation, who will deliver a congratulatory speech for today's graduating seniors, offers us many lessons. Having practiced law for more than 50 years, he reminds us of the value of practicing with an open mind and reaching out to people in difficult situations.
I hope that you will continue to cultivate the character of "인향만리(The scent of good personality goes a long way)” through various encounters and practices, through the spirit of challenging boundaries and constant self-reflection.
Proud Graduates!
University is not a place of no return once you leave for the outer world, nor is it a temporary abode whose usefulness ends with your diploma. When you need to learn more to grow in your professional life, Seoul National University's doors will always be open to you. Wherever you go, remember the attitude of learning that you had at Seoul National University. Life is a continuous learning process, and Seoul National University will always be there for you.
Once again, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and a round of applause as you embark on a new and challenging journey.
February 26th, 2024
RYU Honglim
President of Seoul National University