- 2025 New Year's Address 2025.01.02
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2025 New Year's Address
January 2, 2025
President Dong-Sup Yoon
Dear Yonsei Family,
The New Year has dawned. May the grace of God fill all your days with hope and joy.
The year 2024 was indeed a turbulent one. From around the world came heartbreaking news of disasters and conflicts; domestically, we faced a rapidly shifting and chaotic political situation. Within our university, we also encountered challenges. But through the wisdom and cooperation of the Yonsei community, we overcame these difficulties together. I sincerely thank you for your commitment and hard work.
But it wasn’t all difficulties and challenges. We also heard wonderful news, witnessed significant progress, and celebrated remarkable achievements.
Above all, Han Kang, an alumna of our Korean Language and Literature Department, was awarded the 124th Nobel Prize in Literature. This historic achievement—the first for a Korean and the first for an Asian female writer—reaffirms Yonsei’s proud tradition of excellence in the humanities, stretching back to poet Yun Dong-ju, and showcases the richness of Korean culture to the world. With great pride and joy, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude to Han Kang.
Outstanding progress was also made in research and education. Our university upheld its position as the number one private university in Asia, as recognized by both the QS and THE World Univerity Rankings. Our university continues to rise, affirming our place as one of the best in Asia, a leading educational institution representing Korea on the global stage.
We made remarkable strides in innovative research collaborations. We have successfully secured substantial research funding to cultivate talent in key national strategic industries such as batteries, biotechnology, and semiconductors, as well as in basic sciences. Our selection for a large-scale national quantum computing project marks a major step toward leading advanced global research. We also successfully hosted the 6th Global Engagement & Empowerment Forum on Sustainable Development (GEEF 2024), underscoring our ongoing commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Last year, in partnership with Korea University, Seoul National University, and POSTECH, we publicly declared the ‘Sustainable Campus Initiative,’ committing to building sustainable campuses and a sustainable future. These achievements are a testament to the shared vision and efforts of our Yonsei community. Thank you for your steadfast dedication and commitment.
Beloved Yonsei Family,
This year, Yonsei University celebrates its 140th birthday. Throughout its history, Yonsei has grown alongside Korea’s modern history-- driving academic progress and nurturing leaders who have served the nation, society, and the democratization movement. On this special 140th anniversary, we pledge not to settle on past accomplishments but to move forward under the vision of “Pursuing Truth and Freedom, Unlocking Human Potential”
First, we will advance interdisciplinary convergence research to pioneer new pathways in research and education, and address humanity’s most pressing challenges. At the heart of this vision is ‘Quantum System One,’ located at our international campus—the first quantum computer in Korea and only the fifth in the world. This groundbreaking system can perform calculations in 200 seconds, which would take a supercomputer over 10,000 years. Quantum computing represents the pinnacle of human knowledge, with the potential to revolutionize fields such as AI, medicine, biotechnology, energy, semiconductors, and telecommunications. This is both a remarkable opportunity and a formidable challenge. Through collaboration with our pioneering Artificial Intelligence, we will address potential quantum computing errors and maximize its impact across diverse research and education disciplines.
Second, we will strengthen the financial foundation of our university. To remain a leading research and educational institution in this era of transformation, Yonsei must recruit exceptional scholars, nurture talented students, expand cutting-edge facilities, and invest consistently in key fields and education. To achieve this, we are prioritizing our efforts to raise development funds. We have already established a Fundraising Strategy Task Force under the President’s Office to ensure continuity in donor relations. Moving forward, we will enhance transparency in how contributions are utilized and expand recognition programs. Naming opportunities, invitations to key events, and updates on the impact of donations will ensure donors feel the tangible results of their support. Through these efforts, we will honor their generosity with meaningful progress.
Third, we will accelerate governance innovation to enhance the pride of all members of the Yonsei community. Our goal is to create a stronger foundation where faculty, staff, and students can take the lead in change with autonomy and responsibility. Last fall, during the Dean’s Forum we exchanged ideas and developed plans for academic and administrative reforms. We are now working on revising regulations to put these improvements into practice. To achieve tangible governance innovation, we have expanded faculty participation in internal governance and strengthened research support; established a Human Resource Development Team for staff; and introduced a Student-Designed Major to empower students to navigate our rapidly evolving society. We humbly acknowledge past criticisms regarding the pace of change and pledge to move forward with renewed urgency and determination.
Fourth, we are committed to restoring stability to the current healthcare system and setting new benchmarks for future medicine by leveraging our Health System’s vast expertise. Through the integration of medicine, cutting-edge biotechnology, and quantum-AI technology, we will advance precision medicine and new drug development. We will spare no effort in supporting these innovations to transform the paradigm of healthy living. These efforts will also enable the commercialization of biomedical technologies, laying the groundwork for sustainable revenue models for future hospitals.
Fifth, we will actively invest in fostering a thriving Regional-Industry-Academia ecosystem at the MIRAE Campus. Wonju, the home of the Future Campus, is a hub for healthcare-related enterprises and government institutions. Building on a strong educational and research infrastructure, we will expand Regional-Industry-Academia collaboration programs and strengthen partnerships with regional businesses and government agencies. Our goal is to make the MIRAE Campus a central force for regional growth and a foundation for sustainable innovation.
Dear Yonsei family,
Everything we strive for ultimately serves Yonsei University’s mission: to nurture individuals who, rooted in the Christian spirit, contribute to human society. Our work must always strive for love and mutual prosperity of humankind.
May 2025 be a year of peace for us all. May Yonsei’s academia and education contribute to humanity’s love and coexistence. Let us stay unwavering and resolute as we move forward with confidence.
An eight-year-old Han Kang described “Love” as "the gold thread connecting between our hearts." May that golden thread touch the heart of Yonsei, celebrating its 140th year; may its light fill our university and everyone’s hearts with warmth. Let it become our wisdom and guide us on the path to love. I pray that God’s love and grace will be with us all on this shared journey.
Wishing you a New Year filled with blessings and joy.
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