Korea University's Time Continues with 'NEXT INTELLIGENCE'

“Educate talented people to save the nation.” We know how this KU motto has become a reality over 120 years, and how it will endure into the future. Korea University, which began as a private institution dedicated to the progress of the nation in 1905, has become a key player in modern Korean history, and now stands at the starting line of its next 120 years of helping build the future of humanity.

A Declaration to Open the Next 120 Years, the 120th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony

The 120th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony, held on May 5th at the Central Plaza of the Humanities Campus, was not just a celebration. It was a declaration of the social responsibilities and vision the university must embrace for the future.

President Kim Dong-One emphasized, "Korea University's 120 years of existence comprise a history that has unfolded in tandem with the past 120 years of modern and contemporary Korea," and he stated, "Now, we will take a leap forward to become a university that contributes to the future of humanity." Chairman Kim Jae-ho said, "Korea University must now move beyond only bettering the nation, and contribute to the future of humanity, becoming a 'university that the world cannot do without'." He added, "We are steadily preparing for the future by creating the Central Plaza of the Natural Sciences, recruiting research talent in advanced fields, and building information infrastructure for a digital campus." He also urged, "I hope all members of Korea University will strive in their respective positions to nurture creative talent, which is the university's fundamental mission."

President Kim Dong-One and the Star Figure Skater Kim Yuna at the 120th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony

At the ceremony, the congratulatory speech by alumna Kim Yuna (Physical Education, '09) was particularly noteworthy. She said, "Korea University has finished its 'short program' today and is starting its 'free skating'," metaphorically declaring that Korea University, now over a century old, is preparing for another leap forward. In the latter part of the ceremony, congratulatory videos from National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, and Chairman Ban Ki-moon were screened, along with messages from presidents of overseas universities. Following this, a presentation ceremony for the book The 120-Year History, which encompasses the 120-year history of Korea University, was held. The 120-Year History not only records the university's past but also serves as a symbol of the wisdom of ‘NEXT INTELLIGENCE’ that will be passed down to the next generation.

A vision declaration also followed. Through 'Vision 2040', Director Yoo Seung-won of the Office of Planning and Budget presented specific goals, including entry into the top 20 universities in terms of global research competitiveness by implementing an innovative global education model, strengthening the startup and industry-academia cooperation ecosystem, realizing a sustainable campus, diversifying sources of financial resources, and achieving a top rank in member satisfaction.

The Heart of a New Campus, the Natural Sciences Central Plaza 'The Valley'

That vision is also being realized in the campus space. On the same afternoon as the commemoration ceremony, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Natural Sciences Central Plaza, named 'The Valley,' on the Natural Sciences campus. This space, which will consist of three underground floors and one above ground, will include classrooms, study lounges, and a multi-purpose hall. The design, in the intent of fostering a sense of community, centers around an open plaza where students can naturally interact and collaborate. The integrated underground parking routes and connectivity to the Aegineung ridge are features of a state-of-the-art campus that is focused on sustainability and ecology. Chairman Kim said, "This space, along with the Humanities Plaza, will become a symbol of both the history and future of Korea University."

Natural Sciences Central Plaza, Groundbreaking Ceremony

Immediately after the groundbreaking ceremony, a tree-planting event was held in which the planting took place of a ban-song (a type of evergreen pine tree). This planting, held to commemorate the 120th anniversary of KU, contained the hope that the new facility would not just be a physical space but a place symbolizing Korea University's sustainability and ecological values. Seung Myung-ho, President of the KU Alumni Association, said, "The status of Korea University today is the result of the sweat and passion of its students, professors, staff, and alumni," and "Behind that is the strong sense of solidarity and deep affection of the alumni for their alma mater." He stated, "The KU Alumni Association will fulfill its mission as a strong bridge connecting their alma mater and society on the foundation of the pride and tradition we have built, and we will prepare for a quantum leap into the future together."

Tree planting event, a ban-song tree to commemorate KU’s 120th anniversary

Following the Proud KU People who Took the Lead in Modern Korea

Meanwhile, the recipients of the 'Proud KU People Award' honored on this day are individuals who have embodied the Korea University spirit in their respective fields. They are Chairman Park Ki-seok of Sigong Tech, who pioneered the future of digital and AI education; Heo Koo-youn, President of the KBO, who popularized Korean baseball; and Chairman Kim Nam-gu of Korea Investment Holdings, who led in terms of innovation in the investment banking sector. These are some of the names that have created the great 120 years of Korea University, and they among others will be the cornerstones of the next 120 years.

Three Proud Alumni of Korea University: Heo Koo-youn, President of KBO; Kim Nam-gu, Chairman of Korea Investment Holdings; Park Ki-seok, Chairman of Sigong Tech

To ensure that ‘120 years’ is not just a number, we must continue to ask what values we will pass on to the next generation. What kind of talent, what kind of community, will we build? Korea University's 120 years have been built on the realization of public values through education, the passion and activities of its members, and on responsiveness to the changes of the times. Under the theme of 'NEXT INTELLIGENCE,' Korea University is now preparing for another leap forward, while remembering that history is not just time that has passed, but the foundation of what we will build together.