Youngjin College and Changwon Gyeongnam Beauty High School Sign MOU to Foster Skilled Professionals in Companion Animal Grooming

Youngjin College in Daegu (President Choi Jaeyoung) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the 20th with Gyeongnam Beauty High School (Principal Seo Yeonsu) to strengthen mutual cooperation between the high school and the college.

The signing ceremony was held that morning in the conference room of the main building at the Bokhyeon Campus of Youngjin College in Buk-gu, Daegu. The event was attended by Park Jongbaek, Vice President of Youngjin College, as well as key administrative staff, professors from the Departments of Beauty Convergence, Animal Health, and Companion Animals, Seo Yeonsu, Principal of Gyeongnam Beauty High School, and other representatives from both institutions.

At the signing ceremony held on the 20th in the conference room of the main building of Youngjin College, Seo Yeonsu, principal of Gyeongnam Beauty High School (left), and Park Jongbaek, vice president of Youngjin College, are posing for a commemorative photo.

Through this agreement, the two institutions have decided to strengthen cooperation in various areas, including joint use of educational infrastructure, student exchanges, support for academic advancement and employment, joint development of educational content, information sharing on educational programs, and collaborative support for various events. In particular, they plan to establish a close educational cooperation system to foster skilled professionals who will lead future industries, focusing on the beauty and companion animal grooming sectors.

Previously, in September of last year, the two institutions jointly operated a beauty experience program for all first-year students at Gyeongnam Beauty High School. Building on this, starting from the 2026 academic year, they plan to regularly offer career experience programs in beauty (hair, skin, nails, makeup), animal health, and companion animals. Through these initiatives, they aim to expand opportunities for students to experience specialized fields that enhance job competencies required in the industry and to jointly develop and operate educational programs for nurturing professional talent.

Located in Changwon, Gyeongnam, Gyeongnam Beauty High School changed its name to 'Gyeongnam Beauty High School' in 2002 and established a specialized beauty department, positioning itself for 24 years as an accredited high school in the 'Beauty' field. In particular, in 2024, the school responded to social demand by launching and operating the Pet Beauty Care Department, continuously expanding its scope of beauty education.

Park Jongbaek, Vice President of Youngjin College, stated, "It is meaningful to be able to nurture skilled professionals who will lead the future of the local industry together with Gyeongnam Beauty High School. By organically connecting basic education at the high school level with specialized vocational education at the college level, we will expand practical, hands-on education not only in the beauty field but also in animal health and companion animal sectors, and actively contribute to fostering local talent who will remain in the region."

Seo Yeonsu, Principal of Gyeongnam Beauty High School, commented, "This MOU marks the starting point of an expanded education system that goes beyond simple academic linkage, enabling students to grow into skilled professionals demanded by industry. Through regular career experience programs based on Youngjin College's industry-tailored education, we will provide students with integrated industry-academia training opportunities and build a solid career pathway for both schools to grow together."

Meanwhile, the Department of Beauty Convergence at Youngjin College, which promoted this agreement, has strengthened its competitiveness since its establishment in 2022 through practical, hands-on education combining total beauty and beauty marketing. In addition to offering education that reflects current trends in hair, skin, nails, and makeup, the department also operates the Beauty Convergence major (third and fourth year), an advanced bachelor's degree program, with official approval. In 2024, the college launched the Medical K-Beauty Department (with an enrollment of 30 students), which offers classes once a week, allowing students to combine fieldwork and studies. This has enabled the college to establish a comprehensive system for nurturing beauty professionals, covering high school collaboration, degree programs, and practical training.