First, I offer my condolences to those who lost their lives in the accident that occurred on December 29th, and I extend my deepest sympathy to the grieving families who have suffered this great sorrow.

Dear Seoul National University students, faculty, staff, and alumni,
We are passing through a time of complex crises and unprecedented uncertainty. While the unexpected national crisis has left us all in a state of shock and anxiety, we have also seen democratic resilience and hope in the mature way citizens have responded to the crisis. We are reminded of the historical lesson that moderation, balance, and mutual respect, rather than self-righteousness, are the keys to solving problems. We believe that the current political turmoil will eventually be resolved through public debate, national consensus, and judicial processes. However the anxieties about deeper domestic and international political, economic, and social problems, as well as other crises that they may trigger, cannot be easily resolved. It is at times like these that Seoul National University must mobilize all its capabilities to offer new hope and progressive alternatives through forward-thinking educational innovation and the expression of collective intelligence.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of the comprehensively integrated Gwanak Campus era in 1975. As we look back on the ideals and intentions of 50 years ago, when we aimed to become a world-leading university beyond a university of one nation, we ponder what we need to do now to ensure that another 50 years from now, we can say that SNU's education and collective intelligence have served as the light of truth that illuminates our society.

I believe that true comprehensivization is not just about the integration of campuses, but about creating new synergies based on the integration of education and research, which is the essence of a university. For this reason, I have been working with you over the past two years toward this goal. The core of Seoul National University's transformation is to build a free and dynamic education and research ecosystem on an open platform that reaches out to the world. Innovation in all areas, including the systems and methods of university operations and infrastructure, is also being promoted to support this.

Educational innovation is a top priority for Seoul National University to lead the era of great transformation. The goal and direction of future education are to break down the long-standing division of majors among different disciplines and to build an innovative model of convergent higher education. The School of Transdisciplinary Innovations, which was successfully launched last year, and the SNU College, which will be officially launched this year, will be the centerpieces of this innovation. We will further strengthen the education of common core competencies, convergence competencies, and global competencies that are essential for future society.

I send my best wishes to students as they work hard in their studies to shape their futures in a time of heightened uncertainty. The university's first mission is to provide an environment where students can develop not only professional competencies but also communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving skills. We will expand programs and spaces for interaction, cooperation, learning, and experience among diverse students through the growth of SNU's residential college program (Living & Learning) and the creation of SNU Commons. We will also explore and implement ways to reduce difficulties and inconveniences faced in daily campus life.

Innovation to strengthen research capabilities is an ongoing project to enhance the pivotal position of Seoul National University as a Research University. In particular, there is an urgent need for integration and cooperation to solve complex challenges faced by the nation and humanity, such as the climate crisis. Convergence research encompassing various fields will become more active, and international collaborative research platforms with outstanding researchers from the U.S. and Europe will continue to expand. To this end, research environments and infrastructure that enhance creativity are being built, and a vibrant research ecosystem is being created by connecting large-scale convergence programs such as the Global Bio Cluster project.

Our serious reflection and action to contribute to the nation and society will continue this year. Our achievements in education and research innovation are the foundation of national development. ‘SNU Outreach,' which I always emphasize, refers to our responsibility and mission to continuously expand our networks and platforms to nurture and share our capabilities. Through the University Alliance Regional Talent Development Project, which was launched last year, we will further expand the platform for collaboration and resource sharing with regional universities. Through the Institute for Future Strategy, we will provide our society with the wisdom of our collective intelligence to solve the challenges faced by our country.

Dear members of Seoul National University,
Since I assumed the honor and great responsibility as SNU president in February 2023, we have focused our university's efforts toward these goals. I would like to express my gratitude to our faculty and staff for their passion and hard work in this process. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all of you who have played a role in this sometimes unfamiliar and challenging process of transformation, keeping in mind the responsibilities and mission of our university. I'd also like to thank our alumni for their support and encouragement. We will continue to work hard to build a university to make alumni proud.

The more difficult the times are, the more we need to cultivate the power of hope. Seoul National University's educational innovation will foster self-directed and creative talents with convergence capabilities. The establishment of an interdisciplinary convergence research platform will not only contribute to improving national competitiveness, but also lead the creation of a future-oriented academic ecosystem. Seoul National University's raison d'être is found in our efforts to expand and deepen our relationship with society. As we contribute to overcoming the crises and challenges faced by the nation, society, and humanity, trust in Seoul National University will increase. Let us gather our wisdom and capabilities together this year to fulfill the responsibilities of Seoul National University as a leader in the era of great transformation.

Dear proud SNU students, faculty, staff, and alumni,
I wish you all the best in 2025 and hope that you will fulfill all your desires.
Happy New Year.

January 2, 2025
RYU Honglim
President of Seoul National University