The 2026 Winter Graduation Ceremony Held

- Conducted at Saecheonyeon Hall of the 600th Anniversary Hall…

 5,049 graduates launched into society

- Congratulatory address delivered by Woojin Lee, CEO of Beyond A (Class of ’95, Department of Russian Language and Literature)

On Wednesday, February 25, at 11:00 a.m., SKKU held the 2026 Winter Graduation Ceremony at Saecheonyeon Hall in the 600th Anniversary Hall on the Humanities and Social Sciences Campus.

This graduation ceremony was organized under the slogan, “Since ancient times, the talented people of our country have gathered at Sungkyunkwan, so it cannot be a coincidence that you, too, have come here.” The event celebrated the new beginning of graduates who, cherishing their destined connection with SKKU, now take their first steps into society as individuals grounded in the fundamental virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom.

A total of 5,049 students were awarded degrees, including 2,769 bachelor’s degree recipients, 1,869 master’s degree recipients, and 411 doctoral degree recipients. Prior to the main ceremony, the President and members of the academic affairs committee visited the Sungkyunkwan to perform the Goyu-rye (告由禮)*, a traditional rite to report the graduates’ completion of their studies.

*Goyu-rye is a traditional ritual in which significant academic events—such as entrance ceremonies, commencements, or the construction of new buildings—are formally reported at the shrine of Confucius. (This year, due to renovation work at Daeseongjeon, the rite was conducted at Bicheondang.)

President Ji Beom Yoo encouraged the graduates to become practical intellectuals who will lead the transformative era of artificial intelligence, grounded in the spirit of humility and continuous advancement cultivated at the University. He expressed his hope that they would practice learning and reflection together to develop the insight necessary to lead in the age of AI, adding that the diligence of SKKU members would serve as the foundation for innovation and professionalism that transforms society.

Chairman Park Jae-wan remarked that although uncertainty has become a daily reality, new horizons of opportunity are equally wide open. He emphasized the importance of maintaining an inquisitive attitude and a spirit of challenge.

Kim Sung-jip, President of the Alumni Association, welcomed the graduates as new members of the SKKU alumni community and encouraged them to contribute to society with courage and a spirit of challenge as future leaders who have graduated from a prestigious university.

At the ceremony, Woojin Lee, CEO of Beyond A and a 1995 alumnus of the Department of Russian Language and Literature, known for producing the animated series Pororo and Tayo the Little Bus, delivered a heartfelt congratulatory address to the graduates.

CEO Lee stated that “graduation marks the beginning of a new adventure,” and urged the graduates to have the courage to wholeheartedly pursue work into which they can immerse themselves as if at play. He encouraged them not to lose hope even in the face of failure and setbacks, saying, “When you feel as though you are alone in a long, dark tunnel, that very moment may be just before you take another step of growth.” He concluded by encouraging them to cherish their parents, family members, professors, and friends, and to become dependable companions to others in turn. In addition, SKKU produced and screened a commemorative graduation video capturing memories of campus life and congratulatory messages from various members of the community. A celebratory ceremony was also held in which graduates shared their aspirations and received collective encouragement, creating a meaningful occasion of shared celebration.