Sahmyook University Institute for Future Society and Christianity to Hold Spring Academic Conference on May 30

Discussion on Future Society and Christianity

The Institute for Future Society and Christianity at Sahmyook University will hold its 2025 Spring Academic Conference on May 30 at the Jang Geuncheong Hall in the International Education Center on campus, under the theme "Contemporary Addiction Issues and Christian Approaches."

This academic conference aims to examine the rapidly increasing addiction issues in modern society from a multidisciplinary perspective and to foster discussions on healing and recovery. Insights from medicine, public health, counseling psychology, and police studies will be integrated with theological reflection, enabling a deeper understanding of today's addiction problems and the search for practical solutions.

The first keynote presentation will be delivered by Yoo Jesung, Director of Pittanggi Clinic, on the topic "Addiction: Theological Understanding and Pastoral Care." Dr. Yoo will provide a comprehensive overview of addiction issues based on perspectives from medicine, psychology, sociology, and theology. He will then propose directions for pastoral care grounded in biblical principles to achieve holistic redemption, while also exploring the roles of the church and local communities in addressing addiction.

The second presentation will be given by Lee Sangkyu, Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Hallym University College of Medicine. Under the thought-provoking title "Why Is a Glass of Alcohol Deeper Than a River?", Professor Lee will revisit the past, present, and future of addiction issues, introducing the possibilities of spiritual approaches and psychological healing for addiction recovery.

Kim Hyekyung, Professor in the Department of Convergence Public Health at Ewha Womans University, will highlight the roles and responsibilities of various sectors of society in preventing the harms of smoking from a public health perspective. She will provide policy implications through real-life examples of intervention program planning and implementation.

The final presentation will be delivered by Park Sungsoo, Professor in the Department of Police Science at Semyung University, who will focus on the current state and seriousness of juvenile drug-related crimes. He will introduce national response strategies and prevention policies aimed at addressing these issues. Professor Park will emphasize the need for a multi-layered approach to tackle youth drug problems.

Following the keynote presentations, Jung Kucheol, Professor in the Department of Counseling Psychology at Sahmyook University, and Kim Irok, Professor in the Department of Nursing at Sahmyook University, will participate as discussants. Each will provide commentary from psychological and nursing perspectives, respectively, and lead discussions to broaden the academic dialogue.

Jae Haejong, President of Sahmyook University and Director of the Institute for Future Society and Christianity, stated, "I hope this academic conference will serve not only as an exchange of knowledge but also as an opportunity to renew our Christian calling in the face of the contemporary challenge of addiction." He added, "By integrating diverse academic insights and theological reflections, I hope this will be a meaningful time to gain a deeper understanding of today's addiction issues and to seek practical solutions."

Meanwhile, the Institute for Future Society and Christianity at Sahmyook University was established to promote interdisciplinary and convergence research based on Christian faith, as well as studies on implementing Christian values for the future society. The institute publishes the bilingual academic journal 'Convergence Studies and Christianity' twice a year.