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'Crimson Network' Without Borders
Connects the World
The Present State of the Global Alumni
Association Seen Through the Founding of the Mongolia Alumni AssociationAn era of 10,000 international students.
A 'Global Alumni Association' is both the direction we must pursue and our
destined future. Marking the establishment of the Mongolia Alumni
Association—the first in the association's history to be founded primarily by
local nationals—the Korea University Alumni Association has reached a new
turning point. What is the situation in other countries? In light of the
founding of the Mongolia Alumni Association, we examined the networks of local
alumni around the world.
Written by Lee Hyun-hwa, Senior Reporter Until now, overseas alumni associations
have been centered around expatriate or immigrant communities. However, the
Mongolia Alumni Association was formed by local graduates who voluntarily came
together to build a community. What changes are occurring in other countries
that have already produced thousands of international alumni? According to the
International Student Management Information of the Ministry of Justice (as of
December 31, 2025), the total number of international students currently
enrolled at KU (Seoul and Sejong campuses combined) is 5,423. By country, China
accounted for the largest share with 2,929 students (54.0% of the total),
followed by Mongolia (340), Vietnam (224), Japan (165), the United States
(158), and Malaysia (156). By gender, the proportion of female students was
66.8%, doubling that of male students, and undergraduate students accounted for
more than half of the total. When language center, other non-degree program,
and short-term program studentsare all included, the total scale of
international students approaches nearly 10,000. As the numbers grow, attention
naturally shifts to life after graduation. Do those who spent their youth at
our alma mater still carry their identity as 'KU Tigers'?ChinaThe Shanghai Alumni Association hosting a moke Korea-Yonsei GamesActive Exchanges Between Domestic and
Foreign Alumni in Shanghai CHINA China has a large scale of both
international students and Korean residents. Large and small alumni
associations are actively operating, centered around Beijing and Shanghai.
Among them, Shanghai is considered the most ideal model, where around 100
Korean and Chinese alumni mingle without any barriers. Professor Ren Hu (Master
of Law '00), who teaches at the School of Law at East China University of
Science and Technology and is active in the Shanghai Alumni Association,
shared, "Regardless of nationality, we call each other brothers and
continue our monthly meetings—the 'Sammokhoe' on the third Thursday of every month, and the golf group 'Gogohui'.
We unite beyond nationality as proud KU alumni." He added a suggestion:
"Since Shanghai is poised to re-emerge as the hub of the Asian economy,
extensive exchanges with local alumni are essential. We must pursue not only
vertical development within each country but also horizontal exchanges with
neighboring nations."
Hangzhou alumni wearing Alumni Association caps at a gathering led by Alumni Rin-Yi (third from right in the back row)Hangzhou Holds a Historic First Meeting Hangzhou is a rising new network. Alumnus
Lin Yi (Department of Spanish Language & Literature '18), who has been
pushing for the establishment of the Hangzhou Alumni Association since early
this year, arranged the first networking platform this past May for alumni
living or working in Hangzhou. Alumnus Lin Yi explained, "One Chilean
alumnus and seven Chinese alumni gathered for the first meeting. As Hangzhou is
a city experiencing rapid growth in the IT industry, startups, manufacturing,
and finance, there is a strong culture among alumni of sharing practical
business information and helping one another." Korean alumni are scheduled
to join the next meeting.'KUCSSA,' the Chinese Students and Scholars Association of our
alma materPowerful Networking Rooted in the
Chinese Student Association
Behind this powerful networking lies the
'Korea University Chinese Students and Scholars Association (KUCSSA),' which
was forged during their college years. Established in 2006, KUCSSA has helped
Chinese students study and settle down, while driving cultural exchange between
Korea and China. Han Jiushushu (Business School '23), President of KUCSSA,
expressed his ambition: "Last December, we invited Chinese seniors from
the Department of Economics to hold a career fair. We are currently working to
establish a Chinese General Alumni Association encompassing all Chinese
graduates, and we hope to participate as an official branch of the KU Alumni
Association in the future."VIETNAMThe Vietnamese Student Association back in 2007A 16-Year-Old 'Voluntary Community'
VIETNAM
In Vietnam, where economic exchanges
between Korea and Vietnam are vibrant, around 200 alumni each in the capital of
Hanoi and the economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City are building close ties. Ha Thi
Thuy Duong (Master of Materials Science and Engineering '09), Vice President of
Sotaville and a member of the Hanoi Alumni Association, stated, "The bonds
formed within the Vietnamese student community during our college days
naturally continued after returning home, becoming the matrix of the Hanoi
gathering. The group, which stood at around 10 to 15 people in 2010, has now
grown to about 40 members." Even though members are scattered and active
all over the world—including the US, Australia, and Europe—their bond is so
deep that they gather in Hanoi at the end of every year for a year-end party.
Alumnus Ha hinted, "I currently work at an industrial distribution
company, and the Korean alumni in Hanoi provide immense support for my
business."Vietnam Alumni Gathering in HanoiVietnam Alumni Gathering in Ho Chi Minh CityFriendship Crossing Two Cities
Ho Chi Minh City also started as an
independent international student network around the same period. Nguyen Canh
Tuan (Ph.D. in Civil Engineering '12), Vice President of Ho Chi Minh City
University of Technology and Management and a Global Honorary Ambassador for KU, stated, "The meetings took root in earnest around 2012 as a
large number of Vietnamese graduates returned home. Despite everyone's busy
schedules, we take turns holding general meetings between Ho Chi Minh City and
Hanoi." He pointed to our alma mater's 'Global Spirit'—which transcends
country, nationality, and physical distance—as the secret behind the Vietnamese
Alumni Association's passionate activities.JAPANThe Japan Alumni Association cheering on our alma mater's
basketball team at the 2025 World University Basketball Championship.
Posing with the head coach and players of the basketball team
after winning the matchSmall but Waiting to Connect JAPAN
Japan ranks fourth in the number of
international students at KU, but the network of local Japanese alumni is still
in its infancy. Alumnus Yurika Ono (Department of Linguistics '20) is currently
the only Japanese national participating in the Japan Alumni Association. After
graduating, she secured a job at a local financial institution in Japan, where
her background as a Korea University graduate was a great asset during
interviews, leading her to meet the president of the Japan Alumni Association
by chance after joining the company. Alumnus Ono recalled, "To be honest,
I didn't know an 'alumni association' even existed, and I was deeply moved to
find that the KU connection continues in Japan." However, she expressed
her regrets, noting, "While there are many Japanese students at KU, they often
lose touch after returning home upon graduation, which sometimes makes me feel
lonely." Ono believes that the key task for activating the Japan network
is maintaining continuous touchpoints. Her idea is to build communities through
clubs or language exchange programs during college, and to utilize social media
after graduation so that Japanese alumni can easily find and connect with one
another.
The Global Alumni Association Has
Already Begun
Currently, the Alumni Association operates
a vast branch system totaling 265 groups, including 72 domestic branches, 72
overseas branches (including the Mongolia Alumni Association), 17 college-level
alumni associations, 32 special graduate schools, 11 professional
organizations, 39 class-year associations, and 22 hobby clubs. Leading global
universities have long been breaking down borders to expand their alumni
networks. The Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) operates approximately 200
'Harvard Clubs' in over 70 countries, building a tight regional network. Harvard
Business School (HBS) also boasts a solid global chain of around 90,000 alumni
positioned across 173 countries. As it welcomes the era of 10,000 international
students, the KU Alumni Association stands at a new crossroads. The official
founding of the Mongolia Alumni Association is the first instance where foreign
graduates have initiated ongoing connections themselves, driven by their love
for their alma mater. The budding of voluntary networks spotted across
Asia—including China, Vietnam, and Japan—is already proving this potential.
When more global talents connect under the name of 'KU Tigers' regardless of
nationality, our alma mater's global territory will expand even further.
2026-07-31
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Mongolian alumni shouting "Fighting!" at the inaugural ceremony of the Mongolia Alumni Association.Alumni from Mongolia are demonstrating
outstanding performance across various fields—including government,
corporations, and international organizations—growing into next-generation
leaders. Marking the establishment of the Mongolia Alumni Association, we met
them in person to hear their reflections and future aspirations.
Written by Han Yoon-sang, Senior Vice President
Active Roles in Government, Major
Corporations, and International Organizations
Our alma mater’s Mongolian alumni are
making significant waves in various sectors of Mongolian society, establishing
themselves as the next generation of leaders. The majority of them entered the
university in the 2010s and are now in their 30s to early 40s, actively working
in the Mongolian government, large conglomerates, academia, and international
bodies.
Brilliant Minds Since Childhood…
Exceptional Academic Achievement at KU
The Mongolian alumni are known to have
maintained excellent academic records since their youth. After graduating from
high school, they moved to South Korea, mastered Korean at university-affiliated education centers
including the KU Korean Language Center, and subsequently enrolled at Korea
University through the international admissions track. Erdedaba (Department of
Architecture and Social Eco-Engineering '11), the inaugural president of the
Mongolia Alumni Association, shared, "I managed to stay at the top of my
school since childhood, and many other Mongolian alumni were also exceptionally
talented, often participating in academic Olympiads." According to KU’s
Office of Student Affairs, international students' academic performance
previously tended to be slightly lower compared to domestic Korean students.
However, as the university's global ranking recently climbed into the top 50, a
rising influx of elite international students has reversed this trend. In fact,
the proportion of international students receiving academic excellence awards
at graduation has steadily increased, now accounting for about one-fifth of the
total recipients.
It was noted that a significant number of these alumni grew up in relatively affluent and stable households, allowing them to immerse themselves in their studies backed by
parental support and various scholarships earned through stellar grades.
High-Quality Lectures and Fond Memories
of Ko-Yeon Games & Ipselenti
During their college years, the Mongolian
alumni took numerous courses taught in English as well as Korean. Although they
faced difficulties due to the high level of rigor, they unanimously agree that
these courses provided immense practical help for their careers after
graduation. Arionzol (Business School '12), Vice President of the Mongolia
Alumni Association, is currently putting her undergraduate knowledge to active
use in the finance department of a major Mongolian conglomerate. Based on this
professional foundation, she is also preparing to pursue an Ivy League MBA in
the United States. Darkhanbold (Business School '11), a steering committee
member, reminisced, "While the memories of sweating it out playing
basketball with friends on the Anam Campus and other small daily routines are
precious, it was particularly the high-standard classes that served as the
nourishment for my immense personal growth." Alumnus Chajid Suren
(Business School '11) also expressed her determination, saying, "The solid
education I received at KU paved the way for my employment at a UN agency. I
look forward to continuing my career in international organizations."
Campus passion remains an unforgettable chapter of their youth. From losing
their voices cheering "Go KU!" at the autumn Ko-Yeon Games to
embracing the energy of the spring Ipselenti Festival after midterms, Vice
President Arionzol and several other alumni smiled warmly, adding, "We
hope to visit Korea one autumn in the future to enjoy the Ko-Yeon Games once
again as alumni."
Foundation of the Mongolia Alumni
Association Bonded by the Tight-Knit 'KU Spirit'
The Mongolian alumni note that they
received warm guidance from senior alumni during their studies and continued to
receive career help from seniors active across various fields after graduation.
Through this, they absorbed KU’s unique organizational culture, which is hard
to experience elsewhere in Mongolia. President Erdedaba mentioned, "I
originally planned to return home right after graduation, but upon a senior's
recommendation from my department, I worked at an architecture firm with him
for several years and learned a great deal. I could genuinely feel the seniors'
deep affection for their juniors." Having experienced this tight-knit
solidarity firsthand, the Mongolian alumni naturally pushed for the formation
of an alumni group, which officially culminated in the founding of the Mongolia
Alumni Association with timely support from the Korea University Alumni
Association. Alumnus Darkhanbold remarked, "I want the Mongolia Alumni
Association to go beyond simple socializing and contribute to generating new
values in Korea-Mongolia exchanges across diverse fields including education,
research, culture, and industry."
"Growing into Leaders Who Will
Drive Mongolia's Future"
Most Mongolian alumni chose to return home
rather than seek employment in Korea, demonstrating a strong resolve to
contribute to their homeland's economic, scientific, and technological
advancement, as well as the nurturing of future generations. In fact, President
Erdedaba has taken over his father's business to run an enterprise, while
alumnus Darkhanbold is educating future legal minds as a professor at the
National University of Mongolia School of Law. Alumnus Tuvshinjargal Ortnasan
(Department of Computer Science and Engineering '18) works as a consultant at
PwC Mongolia, and Vice President Arionzol is employed at Nomin
Holding—Mongolia's largest conglomerate encompassing retail, construction,
trade, and finance, often considered the equivalent of Korea's Lotte Group.
Furthermore, alumnus Ulzargali Janarbek (Department of Architecture '14) is
active at NTM Holding, a construction and retail firm; alumnus Chajid Suren is
with the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) Mongolia office; and
alumni Tugsbayar Chilmung and Tergel (both holding Master's degrees from the
Graduate School of International Studies) are working at the Financial
Regulatory Commission of Mongolia. Just as Korea sent its brightest
minds—including KU graduates—to study in the United States during the 1960s and
1970s, who later returned to play monumental roles in national development,
these alumni are highly expected to grow into the next-generation leadership
driving Mongolia's government, business sectors, and academia forward.
(From right) Erdedaba, President of the Mongolia Alumni Association; Han Yoon-sang, Senior Vice President; Arionzol, Vice President of the Mongolia Alumni Association.
2026-07-30
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Capturing My World on Film:
A Budding Filmmaker’s Dream Nurtured at
Anam
Alumnus Yara Gari (School of Media and
Communication '18), a Colombian native who came to South Korea under a Global Korea Scholarship, studied film at KU’s
School of Media and Communication and is now nurturing her dream of becoming a
film director at the Korea National University of Arts (K-ARTS). We sat down
with Yara, who has even utilized her experiences standing in front of the
camera as a model and actress as
nourishment for her directing.
Written by Lee Hyun-hwa, Senior Reporter | Photos by Choi Ki-young, Editor-in-Chief
Yara Gari (School of Media and
Communication '18) Master’s Program in Filmmaking,
Korea National University of Arts
Q. When did you first dream of becoming
a film director?
A. My
hometown is Barranquilla, Colombia. It is the largest port city in Colombia and
is often called the 'Golden Gate of Colombia.' Thanks to this environment, I
was exposed to diverse cultures and loved creating stories from a young age. At
first, I dreamed of becoming a writer, but gradually I found it more
fascinating to convey stories through moving images rather than written words.
I believed that film was the best way to showcase the world as I see it.
Q. That explains why you chose KU’s
School of Media and Communication. And became a Korean government scholarship
recipient?
A. It is a
bit embarrassing to say it myself, but I came to our alma mater with full
tuition support as a GKS (Global Korea Scholarship) student under the National
Institute for International Education. I think they looked favorably upon the
fact that I had been self-studying Korean for a long time out of my love for
Korean dramas, and my passionate appeal that 'as a filmmaker, I would become a
bridge between Korea and Colombia.' Making films costs a lot of money, so I was
incredibly grateful that they even supported my living expenses.
Q. There are many prestigious
universities in Korea. What made you choose Korea University?
A. I also
knew what 'SKY' meant (laughs). While Seoul National University heavily
emphasized journalism and Yonsei University focused largely on PR, Korea
University offered the most diverse range of production classes. After
enrolling, I took almost every production class available, which confirmed that
my choice was correct. In particular, participating in the student film society
and creating my first short film with friends was the biggest turning point. It
felt like the moment I took my first true step as a 'filmmaker.'
Q. We heard you even received the first
F grade of your life because of the language barrier.
A. I can
talk about it with a smile now, but it was truly shocking back then. I believe
the course was 'Introduction to Media Theory.' In fact, having studied media
for a year in Colombia, I already knew the content well. The issue was the
Korean language. I couldn't even understand what I had written, so imagine how
the professor must have felt (laughs). That incident motivated me to study
Korean relentlessly. The professor also allowed me to write my answers in
English next time, so I proudly received an A when I retook the class the
following semester.
(Top) A Question-and-Answer session with the director at the Incheon Diaspora Film Festival.(Bottom) Monitoring during a Media Production Workshop class at Korea National University of Arts. Q. You have also appeared in many
commercials and dramas. Did you originally dream of becoming an actress?
A. To be
honest, I just needed money to fund my film production costs. However, standing
in front of the camera myself allowed me to understand how actors feel. I could
also see firsthand how an actual set operates. It was a massive learning
experience for me as a director. Of course, working alongside actors I had long
admired, like Jang Hyuk, Park Eun-bin, and Cha Eun-woo, allowed me to enjoy
some 'fan moments' as well (laughs).
Q. You are currently pursuing a Master's
degree in Filmmaking at K-ARTS. We heard you are receiving a scholarship there
as well.
A. It is
truly a blessing. I have made four short films so far, and among them, The
Turtle was screened at the Incheon Diaspora Film Festival and was also
shortlisted in the Film School category for the Young Director Award 2024.
Although I still have much to learn, I feel like I am moving step by step
toward the kind of cinema I want to create.
Q. What kind of films do you want to
make in the future?
A. Films
where the audience can fully understand the hearts of the characters until the
very end. Rather than dividing good and evil into a simple dichotomy, when the
audience follows why a person had no choice but to make that specific decision
within the film, they eventually find themselves empathizing. The ultimate
power of cinema is the ability to vividly transmit 'the world as I see it' to
the audience. I hope my work can broaden the understanding between people, even
if just a little.
Q. Lastly, do you have any words for
your fellow alumni and juniors at your alma mater?
A. Korea
University is the place that gave me confidence in my dream of becoming a
director. The excellent professors, friends, and the time spent making films
together made me who I am today. Therefore, I sincerely hope you do not miss
out on the diverse opportunities the university provides. International
students, in particular, often miss these opportunities because they are
unaware of the information. I hope everyone fully utilizes the various projects
and programs to find their own paths.
2026-07-28
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Professor Kang Sang-hee of the Department of Colorectal Surgery at Guro Hospital performing surgery utilizing the da Vinci SP single-port robotic surgical system.One day in April 1987, a patient whose ten
fingers had all been severed by a book-cutting machine at the Guro Industrial
Complex was rushed to the hospital. The medical team undertook 98 hours and 30
minutes of meticulous, microscopic surgery, staying awake for four full days
and nights, including reoperation. In the end, they successfully reattached all
ten fingers. The patient was eventually able to use chopsticks again. It was a
world-first miracle.
Written by Choi Ki-young, Editor-in-Chief
Over 40 years have passed since then. KU Guro
Hospital, which once protected the health of laborers and ordinary citizens
during the industrialization era, has now grown into a tertiary general
hospital recording the highest proportion of critically ill patients in the
nation (approx. 70%), spearheading the front line of critical care in South
Korea.
Public Interest Over Profitability: At
the Forefront of 'Essential Healthcare'
Founded in 1983, Guro Hospital operates the
nation's only training center for severe trauma specialists. Serving as Seoul’s
final definitive care center for severe trauma, it acts as the last bastion for
patients fighting for their lives. Furthermore, it was s elected by the Ministry
of Health and Welfare as the representative hospital for the Seoul southwestern
district in the maternal-neonatal healthcare cooperation pilot project,
establishing an integrated care system for high-risk mothers and newborns.
Recently, it also opened a new Cranial Nerve Center. The plastic surgery team
focuses not only on aesthetic procedures but also on highly complex
reconstructive fields, such as diabetic foot treatments and lymphatic
micro-reconstructive surgeries.
Developing a Future Medical Platform, 'Cancer
Hospital': Initiating the 'Brick-by-Brick' Campaign
Guro Hospital is pushing forward with a
mid-to-long-term master plan. As the first phase, it completed the
outpatient-centered 'Future Pavilion' in 2022. The second phase, which is the
core of the master plan—Cancer Hospital—aims for completion in 2029 with a
scale of approximately 30,458 square meters. It will implement a
patient-centered model that integrates the currently scattered Cancer Center,
Chemotherapy Room, and Breast & Thyroid Center into a single space,
providing a one-stop service from diagnosis to surgery and chemotherapy. Once
the new Cancer Hospital is built, the number of operating rooms will expand
significantly from 24 to 31, and intensive care unit (ICU) beds will increase
from 118 to 143. Meanwhile, to secure funds for the successful construction of
the new Cancer Hospital, Guro Hospital is running a 'Brick-by-Brick Campaign'
targeting alumni and dedicated donors. Donors can participate at a cost of
400,000 KRW per brick. Upon completion, a beautifully designed 'Donors’ Wall'
engraved with the names of participants will be created on the first-floor
lobby wall of the new Cancer Hospital.
Quietly Powerful Clinical Capabilities
and Advanced Technology
In 2009, Guro Hospital introduced South
Korea's first multidisciplinary care system (a system where doctors from
various departments gather in one place to treat a single patient). While the
average 5-year survival rate for stage 4 colorectal cancer is around 20% in
both Korea and the United States, the survival rate of Guro Hospital’s
multidisciplinary team reaches 45%. This is the reason why Guro Hospital is
considered a 'quiet power.' In particular, its single-port lung cancer surgery
and gynecologic robotic surgery are so unrivaled that medical staff from
prestigious university hospitals worldwide, including the US, come for training.
Based on this world-class medical prowess, Guro Hospital hopes to step closer
to its alumni. Choi Mi-yeon, Deputy Manager of the Public Relations Team,
noted, "The number of alumni visiting Guro Hospital is less than one-third
of those visiting Anam Hospital," adding, "We look forward to great
interest from alumni residing in the southwestern Seoul area, as well as in
Incheon and Bucheon."
“Do not worry in advance. Just trust
Guro Hospital and follow our lead.” Min
Byung-wook (College of Medicine '86), President of Korea University Guro
Hospital
On the day the first shovel hit the ground
for the demolition work of the new Cancer Hospital, we met President Min
Byung-wook (College of Medicine '86) at Guro Hospital. He is a surgeon
specializing in colorectal cancer surgeries. Having taken office in April of
last year, he is spearheading Guro Hospital’s future master plan.
Q. Today, the first demolition work for
the construction of the new Cancer Hospital began. You must have special
feelings. In fact, the new Cancer Hospital project
started two years ago but was temporarily halted due to the medical school dispute
and other issues. After many twists and turns, I am deeply moved to finally set
sail on this earnest journey today, starting with the demolition of the parking
lot. It will mark a significant turning point for Guro Hospital to upgrade its
systems and take a massive leap forward, transcending the spatial limitations
it has faced.
Q. What do you think is the unique
identity of Guro Hospital? In a word, it is a
'quietly powerful hospital.' The doctors at Guro Hospital are remarkably
modest. Even when they achieve world-class results or receive awards, they feel
shy about showing it off. This is true despite holding world-class capabilities
in single-port robotic surgery and witnessing numerous miraculous cases where
terminal cancer patients, given up on by other major hospitals, recover through
our multidisciplinary team. Our true color lies in our sincerity—refusing to
perform over-treatment and insisting only on the medical care absolutely
necessary for the patient.
Q. We heard that the cohesion among
hospital members is exceptionally strong. Within
the medical center, there is a saying, 'True to Guro style.' I believe it
refers to a tightly-knit organizational teamwork where members deeply care for
one another. Multidisciplinary care, which is the pride of our hospital,
actually demands an immense amount of time and sacrifice from the medical
staff. Rather than dwelling on profits, if there is a consensus that a
treatment is vital for a patient, our members willingly donate their personal
time to participate. Colleagues who silently walk the difficult paths together
are our greatest asset.
Q. Is there a memorable patient from
your career as a surgeon? About 10 years ago, a
patient in his late 60s came to us after being told by another hospital that he
had less than a year to live due to severe colorectal cancer with extensive
liver metastasis. Through our hospital's multidisciplinary team, he underwent
several liver and colorectal surgeries. The patient was incredibly positive and
placed absolute trust in the medical staff. He was completely cured and is
still living healthily today, now approaching his 80s. When he visits the
hospital once a year and holds my hand and says, 'I’m alive thanks to Professor
Min,' I feel the greatest happiness as a doctor—a reward that money cannot buy.
Q. Many patients and families experience
deep frustration and anxiety while battling severe illnesses. Patients feel unspeakably anxious even if their cancer is in its
early stages. However, being anxious does not mean a curable cancer will become
incurable, or an incurable one will suddenly be cured. We do our absolute best.
If the results turn out poorly despite that, we doctors will thoroughly reflect
and regret it ourselves. Therefore, do not worry in advance just because it is
a severe condition. Simply trust the medical staff and follow our lead. We will
carry the full burden of responsibility, so I hope you can rest assured and
find strength.
Q. Lastly, do you have a message for the
380,000 Korea University alumni? Guro Hospital
possesses the largest number of beds and the biggest scale among the hospitals
under the KU Medical Center. Our medical quality is second to none. It is a
hospital that anyone who visits once will surely return to. No matter when you
visit, we will reward you with the finest medical care that goes beyond your
expectations.
2026-07-28
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Alumni Demonstrate a Powerful Presence
in the 9th Combined Local Elections and National Assembly By-Elections. Korea University alumni demonstrated a
powerful presence across local governments nationwide by securing numerous
victories in the 9th Combined Local Elections and the National Assembly
by-elections. Notably, alumni won 7 out of 16 regional leadership positions and
claimed 21 municipal mayoral and gubernatorial seats, expanding their
administrative footprint across the country. Written by Chang-hoon Seo,
Senior Staff Writer
Proven Success at the Grassroots Level of Democracy In this election,
alumni achieved meaningful results on both the local autonomy and central
politics levels. According to the Alumni Association's tabulation, alumni
secured 28 seats out of 243 total key leadership positions nationwide. This is
highly significant as it secures a human resource foundation to lead policy and
administration throughout the country.
A Major Leap in Regional Leadership Elections across Major Cities In the
regional government leadership elections, alumni swept 7 out of 16 available
seats. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon (Law, '79) won re-election, setting a historic
record as the first-ever "five-term regional government leader" since
the introduction of popular local elections. Along with this achievement, Choo Kyoung-ho (Business Administration, '79) in Daegu and Kim Sang-wook (Law, '98) in
Ulsan were elected, continuing the strong momentum of alumni in major
metropolitan areas.
Strong Performance in Municipal Leadership Elections Alumni also performed
strongly in the municipal leadership elections, with a total of 21 candidates
winning their races. Based on their extensive administrative experience,
candidates succeeded in either winning re-election or securing initial terms,
including Cha Jun-taek (French Language & Literature, '87) as Mayor of
Bupyeong-gu, Incheon, and Choi Hyun-deok (Public Administration, '85) as Mayor
of Namyangju.
Expansion of Alumni from Graduate and Executive Programs Alumni from
graduate schools and e xecutive programs also delivered notable results. At the
regional level, Daejeon Mayor Her Tae-jeong (Graduate School of Policy), Sejong
Mayor Cho Sang-ho (Graduate School of Policy), Gyeonggi Governor Choo Mi-ae
(Executive Program), and Chungnam Governor Park Soo-hyun (Executive Program)
placed their names on the winners' roster. At the municipal level, winners
emerged in regions such as Seongbuk-gu and Eunpyeong-gu in Seoul; Seongnam and
Anyang in Gyeonggi-do; Wanju-gun in Jeonbuk; and Gimcheon in Gyeongbuk. This demonstrates
that the university’s diverse educational curricula are contributing greatly to
nurturing talent for the public sector.
A Balanced Blend of New and Returning Leaders The composition of the
winners in this local election showed a balanced distribution between new and
experienced figures, with first-time electees accounting for 60.7% (17
individuals) and re-elected incumbents making up 39.3% (11 individuals). These
elected alumni are set to begin their terms in their respective regions to
address local issues and manage regional administrations.
Securing 3 Out of 14 National Assembly Seats in By-Elections In the
National Assembly by-elections, alumni Song Young-gil (Global Leadership Program), Kim
Eui-gyeom (Law, '82), and Kim Sung-bum (Public Administration, '87) were elected,
positioning them to bridge central and local politics.
Continued Influence in Superintendent of Education Elections Winners with
ties to Korea University also emerged in the superintendent of education
elections. Kang Eun-hee (Executive Program) in Daegu, Kang Mi-ae (Ph.D.
Coursework) in Sejong, and Im Jong-shik (Graduate
School of Education) in Gyeongbuk will lead education in their respective
regions. This indicates that alumni are expanding their roles not only in
general administration but also in the field of education.Winners of
Regional Local Government Heads
·
Mayor of Seoul:
Oh Se-hoon (Law,
‘79)
·
Mayor of Daegu:
Choo Kyung-ho (Business Administration, ‘79)
·
Mayor of Daejeon:
Her Tae-jeong (Executive Program, ‘46)
·
Mayor of Ulsan:
Kim Sang-wook (Law, ‘98)
·
Mayor of Sejong:
Jo Sang-ho (Master of Political Science & International Relations, ‘99)
·
Governor of Gyeonggi-do:
Choo Mi-ae (25th
High-level Policy Program)
·
Governor of Chungcheongnam-do:
Park Soo-hyun (33rd Advanced Program for Public Policy)Seoul Metropolitan City
·
Head of Seongbuk-gu Office:
Lee Seung-ro (Executive
Program,‘30)
·
Head of Eunpyeong-gu Office:
Kim Mi-kyung (Executive
Program,‘39)
·
Head of Gangseo-gu Office:
Jin Kyo-hoon (1st
Advanced High-level Program)Jeonnam-Gwangju Unified Metropolitan City
·
Head of Gwangju Nam-gu Office:
Kim Byung-nae (Completed Ph.D. in North Korean Studies)
·
Mayor of Suncheon:
Son Hoon-mo (Law, ‘88)
·
Governor of Jindo-gun:
Lee Jae-kak (43rd Advanced Program for Life Environment)Incheon Metropolitan City
·
Head of Bupyeong-gu Office:
Cha Jun-taek (French Language & Literature, ‘87)Ulsan Metropolitan City
·
Head of Buk-gu Office:
Lee Dong-gwon (Ph.D. in Law, ‘10)Gyeonggi-do
·
Mayor of Seongnam:
Shin Sang-jin (33rd Advanced Program for Life Environment)
·
Mayor of Namyangju:
Choi Hyun-deok (Public Administration, ‘85)
·
Mayor of Anyang:
Choi Dae-ho (Ph.D. in Education, ‘07)
·
Mayor of Gwangju:
Park Kwan-yeol (Executive Program, ‘47)
·
Mayor of Yangju:
Jeong Deok-young (Completed Executive Program)Chungcheongnam-do
·
Governor of Taean-gun:
Yun Hi-sin (Executive Program, ‘71)Jeonbuk State
·
Governor of Wanju-gun:
Yu Hee-tae (16th Advanced Program for Information & Communication)Gyeongsangbuk-do
·
Mayor of Gimcheon:
Bae Nak-ho (29th Advanced Program for Life Environment)
·
Mayor of Sangju:
Ahn Jae-min (Master
of Public Administration, ‘10)
·
Governor of Ulleung-gun:
Nam Han-gwon (42nd High-level Policy Program)Gyeongsangnam-do
·
Mayor of Tongyeong:
Kang Suk-joo (27th Master of Public Administration)
·
Governor of Hadong-gun:
Kim Hyun-su (Mass Communication, ‘92)
·
Governor of Hapcheon-gun:
Kim Yoon-cheol (English Language & Literature, ‘84)Members of
the National Assembly
·
Incheon Yeonsu-gu Gap:
Song Young-gil (19th Global Leader Program)
·
Gunsan·Gimje·Buan·Gochang Gap:
Kim Eui-kyeom (Law, ‘82)
·
Seogwipo-si:
Kim Seong-beom (Public Administration, ‘87)Superintendents
of Education
·
Superintendent of Daegu:
Kang Eun-hee (32nd Advanced Program for Information & Communication)
·
Superintendent of Sejong:
Kang Mi-ae (Completed Master of Public Administration)
·
Superintendent of Gyeongsangbuk-do:
Im Jong-shik (Master of Education, ‘19)
As of June 10, 2026
2026-07-20
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An Alma Mater That Healed Poverty and Anger
“I Hope a 'Monument of National Heroes' Will Be
Erected on Campus” Kwon Oh-eul (Political Science & International Relations,
'76), Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, asserted, "Patriots and
veterans affairs (Bohun) is not a charitable favor bestowed by the state, but a
rightful honor and respect due to those who sacrificed themselves for the
community." Written by Ki-young Choi, Editor-in-Chief / Photography by
Seo-young Jin, ReporterAn Honor Befitting of our Nation’s Stature: A Fundamental Duty of
the State "The sacrifice and dedication of our national heroes
constitute our shared history that has built today's Republic of Korea."
This is the core message of "Patriotism and Veterans Affairs Month"
as defined by Minister Kwon. At the same time, he strongly cautioned against
viewing veterans affairs as a "state-sponsored favor." He emphasized
that providing honor, treatment, and compensation befitting to those who
dedicated their bodies and lives to the community is the minimum obligation of
a nation. However, he noted that Korea's current level of honors and benefits
remains insufficient compared to the size of its economy.
"South Korea ranks among the top 10 economies globally and
stands as one of the world's top five exporting powerhouses. Our veterans
policies must be elevated to a level that matches this national dignity. We
need to secure at least 1% or more of the national budget for veterans affairs,
which currently stands at around 0.9%." He stressed that only when
concrete honors and institutional support become visible can the values be
naturally passed down to the next generation. In this process, he pointed out
that any acts that distort the value of national veterans affairs or
commercially exploit historical pain must face strict criticism and sanctions.
"Give First When in Doubt" – A Paradigm Shift in
Honoring Independence Activists "In the process of
screening candidates for their contributions to Korea’s independence, awards
are often withheld due to 'unconfirmed specific activities.' However, once the
fact that they participated in the independence movement is verified and meets
certain criteria, we should confer the honors first without delay. If explicit
grounds for revocation come to light later, we can rectify it then." It is
also his firm conviction that through the enactment of the Fundamental Law for
National Merit Reward,
democratic figures such as Lee Han-yeol, Bak Jong-cheol, and Jeon Tae-il should
not just remain under the title of 'martyrs' but should be officially
recognized and honored by the state as 'national merit recipients.'
Minister Kwon cited resolving the 'blind spots in veterans
affairs' as his primary goal during his tenure. "The spouses, particularly
the widows, of veterans who served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War have
long been in the largest blind spot of veterans support. Back then, those
wounded or killed in action received pensions and medical discount benefits at
veterans hospitals, but institutional protection for the spouses of general
combat veterans was severely lacking." Accordingly, starting in March
2026, the Ministry began providing a monthly livelihood support allowance of
150,000 KRW to approximately 17,000 veterans' spouses who are aged 80 or older
and fall below 50% of the median income. Minister Kwon stated that he plans to
gradually expand the eligibility and support levels so that all widowed spouses
can receive benefits.
"What I Learned at My Alma Mater Was a Warm Perspective on
the World" Entering the university in 1976 as a Political
Science major, Minister Kwon's youth was filled with a strong critical
awareness of social structures. Due to sudden changes in his family's financial
situation, he struggled even to pay his tuition, harboring animosity toward the
wealthy and the privileged. However, one summer day during his sophomore year,
a classmate asked him a striking question: "How long are you going to
represent only the proletarian class?" The question hit him like a
thunderbolt. "That question served as a turning point where I learned to
recognize legitimate privileges, and I developed a perspective to view the
world with warm eyes rather than rejecting it with negativity. That was the
most precious lesson Korea University gave me."
"Korea University, Korea University, the Home of My
Heart" "Korea University, Korea University, the
home of my heart." This is the specific line from the school song that
always brings a lump to Minister Kwon’s throat. Having moved past days of
poverty and anger to open a new perspective toward the world, his alma mater is
literally the "home of his heart." "While our generation sang of
grand aspirations on campus, chanting 'Manchuria is ours, and we cannot concede
the Pacific,' aren't today's juniors already active on a stage far beyond the
Pacific, spanning humanity and space? They must embrace a broad vision that
extends beyond the Earth to encompass all of humanity and the universe."
A Monument of National Heroes Must Be Erected on Campus At the end of the interview, Minister Kwon left a proposal for his alma mater:
a Monument of National Heroes (Hoguk Yeong-ung Myeong-bi) must be
erected on campus. "Amid the crisis of war, countless Korea University
students left their classrooms for the battlefield, and many ultimately never
returned. We need a space where junior students can naturally remember their
seniors' sacrifices in their daily lives. On the day a Monument of National
Heroes is unveiled at my alma mater, I will gladly run over to stand there
together."
2026-07-16
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2026 Status of Europe Alumni Associations1975~2026, Europe Alumni Associations TodayIn an unfamiliar foreign land, the name "KU" has always felt like a warm greeting. In Europe, on the other side of the globe, alumni recalled their days in Anam-dong through one another. To some, it was a source of support during their lonely days as international students; to others, it was a home rediscovered in a faraway place.• Written by Senior Reporter Lee Hyun-hwa, Reporters Seo Yun-ju, Ju Ga-yun, and Kim Su-rinThe beginning of the Europe alumni associations dates back to the establishment of the Frankfurt Chapter in Germany in 1975. At that time, the number of alumni scattered across Europe was small. However, alumni voluntarily created gatherings and sought one another out. The small encounters that started back then have now expanded into alumni associations across nine countries, including Germany, Russia, Sweden, Spain, the UK, Portugal, Poland, France, and Hungary.The 1990s and 2000s, in particular, are considered the golden age of the European alumni community. Led by corporate expatriates, various alumni—including international students, researchers, diplomats, and entrepreneurs—were actively engaged, leading to the consecutive formation of national alumni associations. Starting with Germany, alumni associations operated dynamically not only in France and the UK, but also in Ukraine, Türkiye, Italy, and the Netherlands, broadening the horizons of the European alumni community.However, following the COVID-19 pandemic, a wave of migration and relocations led to the temporary suspension of activities for some associations.The connections that had weakened for a while after COVID-19 are recently being restored. With the Korea University Alumni Association and our alma mater visiting Europe, alumni chapters in various countries are being reorganized or newly launched, marking another significant turning point for the European alumni community.The Europe alumni associations have supported each other's lives in unfamiliar lands, helped younger alumni settle down, and served as a reliable bridge connecting Korea and our alma mater. We take a look at the current status of these regional chapters that have endured across Europe for nearly half a century. Though their generations and the cities they reside in vary, the devotion they share to protect the alumni community remains beautifully identical.GERMANY ALUMNI• Year of Establishment & First President: 1975, Hong Se-pyo (Economics, '54)• President: Kim Soon-geun (Int’l Trade '84)• Number of Alumni: Approx. 50• Key Activities: New Year’s Meeting, Regular KU-Yonsei Games Gathering, Year-end Party• Note: Activities shrank after COVID-19, but were revitalized following the visit from the Alumni Association and the alma mater in September 2024.• Contact: President Kim Soon-geun (soongeunkim65@gmail.com)The Germany Alumni Association is a deeply historic chapter that stood at the dawn of the European alumni community. It was founded in 1975 around the late alumnus Hong Se-pyo, who was the branch manager of the Korea Exchange Bank in Frankfurt at the time, and remains active centered in Frankfurt and including surrounding regions. In the beginning, corporate expatriates and international students maintained small, separate gatherings before their exchanges eventually expanded. Currently, about 50 alumni are registered. The most senior member is alumnus Kim In-hong (Food Engineering, '74) and the most recent is alumna Kang In-young (Chemistry, '06). With those from the class of the 1980s and 90s forming the backbone, multi-generational exchanges continue. Although somewhat diminished after COVID-19, the chapter regained vitality through the visit of Alumni Association President Seung Myung-ho and KU President Kim Dong-One in September 2024. President Kim Soon-geun stated, "Our core tasks are discovering new alumni and expanding across generations."RUSSIA ALUMNI• Year of Establishment & First President: 1994, Cho Wan-jae (Russian Language & Literature, '82)• President: Lee Jong-hyoung (Russian Language & Literature, '85)• Number of Alumni: Approx. 20• Key Activities: Welcome Party for New Alumni, Farewell Party for Returning Alumni, Regular Meetings, Golf Gatherings• Note: Exchanges extend to alumni in neighboring regions including St. Petersburg, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.• Contact: President Lee Jong-hyoung (lee.jong.hyoung@gmail.com)The Russia Alumni Association was launched in 1994 following the establishment of diplomatic ties between Korea and the former Soviet Union. Exchanges sparked as the number of Korean corporate expatriates and international students entering Russia grew, and the chapter was officially formed following a visit by professors from the Department of Russian Language and Literature to Moscow. Currently, around 20 alumni are active. The most senior member is alumnus Kang Hee-young (Korean Language & Literature, '82) and the most recent is alumnus Lee Seon-woo (Russian Language & Literature, '14). Centered in Moscow, they actively network with alumni in nearby regions such as St. Petersburg, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Though operations slowed after the war in Ukraine, they maintain the lineage of their community through regular meetings and welcome/farewell events. President Lee Jong-hyoung shared, "We recently got in touch with a younger alumnus studying in Estonia," adding, "We hope to continue serving as a network that bridges alumni scattered all across Eurasia."SWEDEN ALUMNI• Year of Establishment & First President: 1991, Cheon Se-chung (Political Science & International Relations, '48)• President: Jeong Hye-yeong (English Education, '82)• Number of Alumni: Approx. 12• Key Activities: Regular Meetings (Lunar New Year, Chuseok, Year-end Party), Golf Tournament planning to launch this year• Note: Due to a small membership pool, activities were sporadic, but the chapter was reorganized following KU President Kim Dong-One's visit in 2025.• Contact: President Jeong Hye-yeong (koreanfood.sweden@gmail.com)The Sweden Alumni Association was established in 1991 under the leadership of alumnus Cheon Se-chung. Although the Korean community in Sweden numbered only around 800 at the time, alumni dispatched via KOTRA and corporate offices maintained private individual gatherings. Currently, about 12 alumni are active. The most senior member is alumnus Hyung Min-woo (Nursing, '76) and the most recent is exchange student Choi Min-seo (Health and Environmental Science, '22). Despite the modest numbers, various generations spanning from the class of the 1970s to the 2020s stand together. The chapter hosts seasonal get-togethers for Lunar New Year, Chuseok, and the year's end, with a golf tournament debuting this year. While operations stalled multiple times, the chapter regained strong momentum following KU President Kim Dong-One's consecutive visits last year and this year. President Jeong Hye-yeong remarked, "Given our small scale, we look forward to more vibrant exchanges with other alumni associations across Europe."SPAIN ALUMNI• Year of Establishment & First President: Unknown• President: Lee Kyu-sup (Law, '00)• Number of Alumni: Approx. 10• Key Activities: Building a Network for Alumni and Exchange Students, Pursuing Regular Meetings• Note: The chapter’s lineage was once disrupted but revived in 2026 following a visit from the Alumni Association.• Contact: President Lee Kyu-sup (ellerylee00@gmail.com)The Spain Alumni Association is a recently revitalized chapter. Centered around alumni residing in Madrid, a new community is taking shape. The current alumni pool stands at around 10 members, featuring a diverse multigenerational mix from the class of '92 to '24. The most senior member is alumna Sohn Mi-na (Spanish Language & Literature, '92) and the most recent is alumnus Heo Hyun (Statistics, '24). A relatively high proportion of female alumni is also a key feature. The Spain chapter aims to build a network embracing not only local alumni but also exchange students and international alumni. It plans to expand by actively seeking out KU exchange students and Korean students studying in Spain. As local interest in Hallyu—including Korean food, dramas, and K-pop—continues to surge, it is expected to create broader touchpoints for local alumni. President Lee Kyu-sup stated, "Through regular meetings, we will foster a supportive platform for exchange and further revitalize the local alumni community."UK ALUMNI• Year of Establishment & First President: 1978, Unknown• President: Hong Ki-sang (Japanese Language & Literature, '96)• Number of Alumni: Approx. 40 alumni, 15 current students• Key Activities: Planning to promote meetings between alumni and current students• Note: Activities decreased after COVID-19, but the chapter was reorganized following the 2026 visit from the Alumni Association.• Contact: President Hong Ki-sang (getup@korea.ac.kr)Operating mainly out of London, the UK Alumni Association is a historic chapter that was part of the early days of the European alumni community. Following COVID-19, a massive wave of alumni returning to Korea caused a reduction in activities, leaving the presidency vacant for some time. The turning point came last May. As the delegation from the Alumni Association and the alma mater, including Alumni Association President Seung Myung-ho and KU President Kim Dong-One, visited London, local alumni gathered once again. This momentum led to the appointment of alumnus Hong Ki-sang as the new chapter president. Currently, the UK chapter comprises around 40 alumni and 15 enrolled students. The most senior member is alumnus Kwon Oh-deok (Law, '64) and the most recent is student Moon So-hyun (Economics, '25). A hallmark of this chapter is its generational breadth, connecting the classes of the '90s with current students studying abroad. President Hong Ki-sang shared, "Although the connections within our alumni community weakened significantly after the pandemic, we plan to actively revitalize the chapter using the visit from Korea as a stepping stone. I want to build a community where alumni and students in the UK can fully rely on one another."PORTUGAL ALUMNI• Year of Establishment & First President: 2024, Kim Tae-hoon (Business Administration, '03)• President: Kim Tae-hoon (Business Administration, '03)• Number of Alumni: 1 member• Key Activities: Meetings with parents of current KU undergraduate students• Note: Launched in 2024 as a "one-person" alumni association; currently finding local alumni and building a network.• Contact: President Kim Tae-hoon (rioliont@hanmail.net)Established in 2024, the Portugal Alumni Association is the youngest chapter in Europe. The founding president, alumnus Kim Tae-hoon, paved the way for this new foundation by pursuing the chapter's establishment, sparked by his connection with Alumni Association President Seung Myung-ho. While Kim Tae-hoon remains the sole official alumnus member for now, he hosts small gatherings with local parents of current KU students. Recently, he has been tracking down alumni residing in Portugal through the Korean Air Lisbon Branch and local networks, while also reaching out to researchers and faculty members from KU. As the number of Koreans visiting Portugal has risen since the launch of Korean Air's direct flights two years ago, the Portugal chapter anticipates growth potential. The Alumni Association's visit to Portugal last May significantly boosted efforts to jumpstart the chapter. President Kim Tae-hoon remarked, "Though it is a modest beginning, I hope to uncover local alumni and forge a helpful network for those newly settling down here."POLAND ALUMNI• Year of Establishment & First President: Estimated 1990s, Kim Young-wan (Public Administratio,n '73)• President: Kim Young-wan (Public Administration, '73)• Number of Alumni: 8 members• Key Activities: Welcome and Farewell Parties• Note: The founding president has been leading the chapter for decades, preserving its traditions.• Contact: President Kim Young-wan (ywkimpol@naver.com), Organizing Secretary Nam Jong-seok (seeyouinpoland@gmail.com)The Poland Alumni Association continues to be led to this day by its founding president, alumnus Kim Young-wan, alongside alumnus Nam Jong-seok (Russian Language & Literature, '84). A key defining feature is its long-standing lineage, keeping pace with the growth of the broader European alumni community. Currently, about 8 alumni are active. The most senior member is alumnus Kim Young-wan and the most recent is alumnus Lee Jung-woo (Spanish Language & Literature, '95). The majority of members belong to the classes of the 1980s and 90s, maintaining ties across various regions of Poland. The chapter's primary activities center around welcome and farewell gatherings, greeting newly arriving alumni and seeing off those departing. Though small in scale, they maintain a tight-knit community, looking after one another based on their shared bond with Korea University. President Kim Young-wan noted, "While we are a small chapter, we place great value on maintaining our internal bond and traditions."FRANCE ALUMNI• Year of Establishment & First President: 1978, Kim Je-ok (Law, '52)• President: Ryu Jeong-yeol (Russian Language & Literature, '94)• Number of Alumni: Approx. 40• Key Activities: New Year’s Greeting Ceremony, Year-end Dinner Gathering, Hogolhoe (Tiger Golf Club), Mentoring between exchange students and working alumni• Note: Highly active exchanges among exchange students and international students.• Contact: Organizing Secretary Choi Jang-in (kufrancealumni@gmail.com)Established in 1978, the France Alumni Association is a flagship chapter of the European alumni community. It originally brought together around 10 individuals, including international students, corporate expatriates, and public sector assignees. A restaurant operated by the late founding president Kim Je-ok (Law, '52) famously served as a cozy salon for alumni visiting Paris. Today, around 40 alumni are active. The most senior member is alumnus Shin Keun-soo (French Language & Literature, '65) and the most recent is alumnus Jeon Ha-young (Public Administration, '18). The association features an active blend of generations and professions—including students, corporate employees, and researchers—with some settling long-term in France due to local employment or international organizations. The chapter runs programs such as a New Year’s Greeting Ceremony, Hogolhoe, and exchange student mentoring. President Ryu Jeong-yeol shared, "Our purpose lies in building a network that helps younger alumni connect with local seniors, even during a short stay."HUNGARY ALUMNI• Year of Establishment & First President: Re-established in 2024, Unknown• President: Park Su-cheol (Business Administration, '90)• Number of Alumni: 8 members• Key Activities: Quarterly regular meetings• Note: A previously existing chapter became inactive during COVID-19 but was successfully revived in 2024.• Contact: Organizing Secretary Ban Chi-jeong (chijeong.ban@samyang.com)The Hungary Alumni Association officially relaunched in 2024. While a chapter existed in the past, its activities were halted during the COVID-19 pandemic. It marked a fresh start after being reorganized with the support of Hong Kyu-dok (Political Science & International Relations, '76), the Ambassador of South Korea to Hungary. Currently, about 8 alumni are active. The most senior member is alumnus 장성 (Mathematics, '82) and the most recent is alumnus 반치정 (Business Administration '03). Though small, it spans multiple generations from the class of the 1980s to the 2000s. The chapter anchors its interaction around quarterly regular meetings. Notably, the moment in 2024 when Alumni Association President Seung Myung-ho and KU President Kim Dong-One visited Budapest and sang the school's alma mater anthem alongside alumni at the Ambassador's residence stands out as their most memorable event. President Park Su-cheol noted, "We will further activate our alumni community based on the tight-knit solidarity unique to a small-scale chapter."
2026-07-15
조회수 : 14
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Alumni Association Provides Support Funds to 5 Sports Teams Full-scale Support System Launched to Rally Alumni Network for VictoryOn May 26th, the Alumni Association held the "2026 Regular Korea-Yonsei Games Support Fund Presentation Ceremony" at the Main Building of the university to wish for victory in the upcoming games. Expanding its reach beyond traditional college-based groups, the initiative welcomed 20 new sponsoring organizations, bringing the total number of participating groups to 31.The event was attended by key alumni representatives, including Senior Vice President Han Yun-sang, Women's Alumni Association President Cho Hee-jin, Seocho Alumni Association President Song Jun-gyu, ROTC Alumni Association President Choi Bong-gil, Gangnam Alumni Association President Cha Kyeong-ryeol, and Korea University Sports Association Senior Vice President Yoon Ho-gyu. From the university, President Kim Dong-One, Sports Committee Director Cho Hoon-hee, as well as the head coaches and captains of the sports teams, were in attendance.Han Yun-sang, Senior Vice President of the Alumni Association, expressed his hopes, saying, "I hope the support and energy of our 380,000 alumni will be a source of great strength for the athletes." In response, President Kim Dong-One expressed his gratitude, stating, "We will repay this support with victory, keeping in mind the spirit of 'Gyo-Ja-Pil-Pae, Ae-Ja-Pil-Seung' (The arrogant will surely fail, while the compassionate are bound to prevail. )."This presentation ceremony marks the first phase of the initiative, held primarily with representatives from the newly joined sponsoring organizations ahead of the teams' intensive field training. The Alumni Association plans to host a second ceremony in mid-September—bringing together both existing and new sponsoring groups—to further foster team spirit and enthusiasm for the regular Korea-Yonsei Games.
2026-07-14
조회수 : 8
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“Justice delayed is justice denied.” Alumna Mongkolnimit Raksina
(Law School, ‘24), who holds Master’s degrees in Law from both Thailand and
South Korea, dreams of realizing swift justice in her home country of Thailand,
drawing upon her specialized study of Administrative Law at her alma mater. Written
by Reporter Ju Ga-yoon
Interview Q&A
Q. Hello. Could you please briefly introduce yourself? A. Hello, I am Mongkolnimit Raksina. I am likely the first Thai national
to obtain a Master's degree majoring in Administrative Law in South Korea.
After majoring in Political Science at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, I
earned my law degree at the same university's law school, and subsequently
received my Master's degree in Administrative Law from Korea University.
Q. Since you had already graduated from law school in your home
country, what motivated you to enter our alma mater's law school? A. After completing my undergraduate studies, I worked as a planning and
policy analyst at the National Security Council (NSC) of Thailand, where my
duties included analyzing security policies and geopolitical situations related
to the Korean Peninsula. I visited Korea several times at the invitation of
Korean government agencies and was deeply impressed by their public systems and
administrative efficiency. In particular, while studying law in my home
country, I became interested in how Korean public law contributes to national development
and governance, which led to my decision to enroll in Korea University Law
School.
Q. Pursuing a Master's degree abroad could not have been easy. How
was your experience? A. Enrolling in a Korean
law school was a massive challenge for me, and for that reason, I take immense
pride in it. The greatest obstacle was the language barrier. Especially when
preparing for the comprehensive examinations, it required tremendous dedication
and patience to digest the vast amount of Korean textbooks. Fortunately, thanks
to the unwavering support of my academic advisor, Professor Lee Hee-jung, I was
able to successfully complete my Master's program.
Q. Could you describe the work you are currently doing in
Thailand? A. I am working as an Administrative Case Officer at the
Administrative Court. My role involves assisting the Chief Judge of the chamber
at the Supreme Administrative Court and reviewing drafts of judgments and
orders. As my career in the legal profession is still short, it takes about 8
to 10 years of experience to reach the level of a senior expert. After gaining
this experience, one becomes eligible to take the examination for
administrative court judges. If I become a judge one day, I want to dedicate
myself to ensuring that justice is served efficiently without unnecessary
delays.
Q. Was there a specific moment when your studies at your alma
mater proved helpful? A. During my first year at
the court, I was assigned to assist with a case related to the Personal Data
Protection Act. Since the Personal Data Protection Act had been implemented
relatively recently in Thailand, there was a lack of reference materials, and
few professionals possessed expertise in that field. Fortunately, because I had
studied data privacy law during my Master’s course, I was able to present legal
arguments that enabled the presiding judge to handle the case smoothly. Beyond
academic learning, the "KU Spirit" I acquired at my alma mater
remains a source of great encouragement. It is the strong sense of support,
cooperation, and shared purpose felt among fellow alumni. My education and
experiences at my alma mater serve as a solid foundation for upholding the
values of social responsibility.
Q. There must be moments when you feel the distinctive "KU
Student Vibe" even in Thailand. A.
I deeply experience that "KU Student Vibe," particularly during
difficult moments. I believe the most meaningful lesson I learned at my alma
mater is strong resilience and a determination never to give up easily. No
matter how difficult the situation, I resolve to find a solution and do my
utmost to overcome it. If it is something beyond my control, I accept it, treat
it as a learning experience, and focus on moving forward and improving.
Q. Lastly, do you have any advice for current students and fellow
alumni? A. We constantly learn from past principles and
experiences, applying them to the present to shape a better future. For the
hope and inspiration that empower us to overcome adversity to be manifested in
reality, steady effort and practice are absolutely essential. If you are
dedicated to learn across all academic disciplines, share your knowledge, and
collaborate integrally across diverse fields of study, you will be able to
drive innovation and grow into a "global leader" who brings about
meaningful change.
2026-07-14
조회수 : 13
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