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Speeches

2024 Matriculation Address 2024.02.29

2024 Matriculation Address


February 29, 2024

President Dong-Sup Yoon 



To the entering class of 2024, congratulations! 

I am so happy to welcome you as you take your first steps into Yonsei University.


When I entered Yonsei, the list of successful candidates was posted on a makeshift bulletin board at the sport’s field. The day was cold. The wind was biting but I can still feel the warm joy I felt as I checked my name on the makeshift bulletin board. And the beaming joy on my parents’ faces. Unforgettable!


You have persevered through years of hard work with patience and diligence to reach this moment. Family, teachers, and friends have wholeheartedly supported you, eagerly wishing for your success. I extend my heartfelt applause of gratitude and respect to all of them.


Beloved freshmen Yonseians,


Today marks the commencement of a new chapter in your life’s journey here on Yonsei campus. At Yonsei, you will develop into leaders who will steer and guide our society. To live as leaders in today’s world, it is said that one needs dreams, guts, wits, savvy, and nets. Given that each of you has become a Yonsei student by surmounting challenges and holding onto your individual visions, you already possess dreams and guts. During your time at Yonsei, you will cultivate wits, savvy, and nets – in other words, creativity and wisdom, skills and expertise, and the ability to coexist and communicate. This embodies the spirit of Yonsei, which, in line with the principles of truth and freedom, has been nurturing leaders who contribute to society.


Today, I’d like to make just three requests.


First, become a ‘creative talent.’


As the phenomenon of blurry and converging boundaries, the so-called ‘Big Blur,’ continues to grow, even the distinctions between the humanities and natural sciences are eroding. The world today demands creative talents capable of integrated thinking. Our university aims to respond to these trends by providing ‘customized education’ utilizing artificial intelligence. Furthermore, through the implementation of the Student-Designed Semester System, when you reach your third year, you will have the opportunity to design your own curriculum for a semester based on what you wish to learn. I encourage you to fully express your creativity and develop your insight to see the forest, not just the trees.


Second, become a ‘cooperative talent.’


The studying you have done for entrance exams and university studies are on a different level. If entrance exam preparation was about competitive studying, university studies are about engaging in discussion, debates, and collaborative learning with friends. The ability to live together and the capacity for empathy are the wisdom that humans must possess in the age of artificial intelligence. This is the key to solving common global crises such as international conflicts and climate change. By experiencing the Residential College (RC) life, a source of pride for Yonsei, you will learn collaborative skills and forge valuable friendships. The university will spare no effort in providing comprehensive support to make your year a truly rewarding experience.


Third, become a ‘future-oriented talent.’


ChatGPT is shaking the world. Artificial intelligence has transformed all aspects of our lives much faster than we anticipated. The advancement of generative artificial intelligence poses both a significant challenge and a great opportunity for us. At Yonsei University, we have designed an educational system that integrates new research environments, including artificial intelligence and big data. Here, we hope that irrespective of your major, you will develop into individuals who navigate through the turbulent waves of change, envision the future and open new paths.


Beloved freshmen eagles,


Congratulations once again on becoming Yonseians. From today, you will continue the 139-year legacy of Yonsei. I hope that, armed with illustrious traditions and abundant resources of Yonsei, you will soar high, reaching new heights. I cheer for your new beginning with all my heart; Yonsei will be with you on the journey ahead. Thank you.



February 29, 2024



Yonsei University President Dong-Sup Yoon

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