Yonsei University, Ewha Womans University, and 5 Other Universities Hold Online Graduation Ceremonies
Sogang University and Hanyang University Also Hold Both Offline and Online Events
[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] Shin Mo (25), who served as the vice president of the student council at Hanyang University, is filled with regret as graduation approaches. This is because he heard that the graduation ceremony might be held 'non-face-to-face.' Shin had planned to wear his graduation cap and take photos in front of the school's famous 'Lion Statue' since he could not participate in the graduation album photo shoot. His disappointment is even greater as he was scheduled to receive a merit award at the ceremony. Shin said, "I have many memories at school, so it's very disappointing to leave like this."
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues into its second year, the scene of university graduation ceremonies is also changing. Instead of holding ceremonies where bouquets were held and commemorative photos were taken followed by eating jajangmyeon, online events have taken their place. This year as well, universities plan to replace graduation ceremonies with online events.
Some schools are preparing offline events but are reconsidering holding them due to the spread of the Omicron variant. Students about to graduate and their parents have expressed a desire to participate in offline events if conditions allow.
Five universities in Seoul, including Yonsei University and Ewha Womans University, plan to hold their graduation ceremonies online. A representative from Ewha Womans University said, "Since the graduation ceremony is large-scale, we will not hold an in-person event." However, the school allows students to rent caps and gowns and take photos individually on campus.
There are also universities holding offline graduation ceremonies as before COVID-19. Sogang University plans to hold the ceremony in person while simultaneously streaming it online. A Sogang University official said, "We will invite mainly the representative students receiving awards and keep the number of attendees to a minimum." Hanyang University also plans to hold in-person events by college on the 17th and 18th, but it has informed graduating students that the event may switch to online depending on the COVID-19 situation.
Students about to graduate and their parents have expressed that they definitely want to participate if offline events are held. Choi Mo (26), who is preparing for employment, said, "Although I have to attend school longer, graduating from university means a lot to me," adding, "If there is an offline event, I want to enjoy it with my acquaintances." Lee Mo (28), also preparing for employment, expressed anticipation, saying, "I definitely want to attend and put the graduation cap on my parents."
Kim Mo (55), who has a son about to graduate, expressed regret for not being able to attend his eldest son's graduation ceremony, saying, "I want to attend the younger child's graduation ceremony, tell him he worked hard, congratulate him on his new start, and take photos."
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