Seoul National University President Yoo Hong-rim, 28th Term, "Innovation Needed in Era of Great Transformation"

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Seoyul] Dr. Yoo Hong-rim, who was inaugurated as the 28th president of Seoul National University, emphasized that "innovation at Seoul National University is necessary to respond to the era of great transformation."

At the inauguration ceremony of the 28th president held on the morning of the 8th at the Jung Auditorium of the Culture Hall, Seoul National University Gwanak Campus, (left) newly appointed President Yoo Hong-rim and (right) former President Oh Se-jung are taking a commemorative photo after the handover ceremony of Seoul National University symbols. Photo by Hwang Seo-yul chestnut@

Seoul National University held the inauguration ceremony for its 28th president, Dr. Yoo Hong-rim, on the morning of the 8th at 11 a.m. in the main auditorium of the Culture Hall on the Gwanak Campus. President Yoo began his four-year term on the 1st of this month.

In his inaugural address, President Yoo stated, "Considering the internal and external crises and challenges facing the Republic of Korea, the responsibilities our university must undertake are great and solemn," and added, "To respond to the era of great transformation, a fundamental innovation at Seoul National University is necessary."

President Yoo proposed practical measures to lay the foundation for innovation and great transformation, including nurturing talent at Seoul National University, establishing an innovation ecosystem, and creating new social contribution models. He emphasized, "Creative and leading education and research lead to the trust of the people, and Seoul National University will create new knowledge that opens the future and values for humanity, together building a 'platform of freedom and trust' that earns even greater trust."

President Yoo graduated from the Department of Political Science at Seoul National University in 1984 and received his Ph.D. in Political Science from Rutgers University in the United States in 1994. Since 1995, he has served as a professor in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Seoul National University's College of Social Sciences for 28 years until this year. He has also served as dean of the College of Social Sciences, director of the Archives, editor-in-chief of the university newspaper, and president of the Korean Political Thought Association.

In his congratulatory speech, former President Chung said, "University administration is like an aircraft carrier," emphasizing, "When changing direction, one must be very careful." He continued, "The president must take on all responsibilities with determination," and wished for President Yoo's success and the endless development of Seoul National University. Kim Jong-seop, president of the alumni association, also urged to create a vibrant Seoul National University based on freedom and trust.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by about 300 people, including former President Chung Un-chan, deans and directors, professors, student representatives, staff members, presidents of national and public universities, presidents of private universities, and members of the National Assembly’s Education Committee.

The event proceeded in the order of the national ceremony, introduction of career, congratulatory speeches, inaugural address, and singing of the school song.