Kookmin University (President Jeong Seung Ryul) held its 2026 New Year's Ceremony in the main conference room on the morning of Monday, January 5th. Approximately 150 attendees were present, including Chairman Kim Ji Yong of the university foundation, President Jeong Seung Ryul, department heads, faculty, and staff.

In his New Year's address, President Jeong Seung Ryul stated, “The new year 2026 has dawned amid hope and anticipation,” adding, “I extend my deepest gratitude to all faculty, staff, and students who dedicated themselves to the university's development in their respective roles throughout the past year.”

President Jeong assessed 2025 as a significant year in which Kookmin University took a leap forward and achieved recognized accomplishments both internally and externally. Kookmin University ranked 14th overall in the JoongAng Ilbo university evaluation, securing a spot within the top 15 for the second consecutive year. It was also selected as the most improved university in Seoul over the past decade. President Jeong emphasized, “These achievements are the result of all members working together.”

In 2026, its 80th anniversary, the university plans to focus on securing future competitiveness through investment and education in new industries. As part of this initiative, the Quantum Convergence College, Bio Convergence College, and International College will be newly established. Particularly, the creation of the Quantum Convergence Department and Pharmaceutical Engineering Department is expected to serve as a crucial stepping stone for laying the foundation to cultivate talent in next-generation advanced IT and bio fields. Last year, during its 79th anniversary ceremony, Kookmin University announced ‘KMU Vision 2035 EDGE’ and shared its mid-to-long-term goals: entering the top 8 universities in Korea and the top 300 globally by 2035, while achieving a global Top 50 ranking in at least three fields. This year, the university plans to simultaneously increase the speed and depth of innovation to translate this vision into tangible results.

Additionally, President Jeong Seung Ryul emphasized new goals including: ▲ Advancing educational innovation and practical convergence talent development systems suited for the AI era ▲ Creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem where challenge and growth form a virtuous cycle ▲ Securing global leadership through expanded overseas education and training programs.

Finally, President Jeong expressed his aspirations, stating, “The entrepreneurial spirit of Sungkok Kim Sung Kon—a philosophy of pragmatism and a spirit of challenge that fears no failure—has shaped today's Kookmin University.” He added, “The 80th anniversary is not merely a commemoration; it will be a turning point to reflect on the values and achievements we have upheld and to share a new vision for the future.”