On May 21, one day before the 120th anniversary of Sookmyung Women’s University’s founding, approximately 1,000 alumnae gathered for a large-scale celebration reflecting on the university’s rich history and looking ahead to its future.

The 120th Anniversary Eve Celebration was held at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas in Gangnam, Seoul. Taking place on the eve of the university’s 120th Founding Anniversary (May 22), the event was designed to reaffirm the solidarity and pride of the Sookmyung community and to mark the beginning of the university’s next 120 years.

The first part of the program was hosted by alumna Kim Min-jung (Class of 2005, Korean Language & Literature), a former KBS announcer. Following a drum performance titled “The Sound That Opens the Sky” by the musical ensemble “Taedong,” President Moon Si-yeun, Alumnae Association President Kim Kyung-hee, Sookmyung Development Committee Chair Jeong Choon-hee, and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, an alumna of the Dept. of Piano, entered the venue to enthusiastic applause.

Also attending to celebrate the university’s milestone anniversary were former presidents Han Young-sil, Hwang Sun-hye, and Kang Jung-ae; former Alumnae Association presidents Jung Soon-ok, Ryu Ji-young, and Kim Soon-rye; Cho Sun-hye, Chair of the Sookmyung Cultural Foundation; Lee Jun, Chair of the Prince Uichin Memorial Foundation; Lee Gun-soo, Chairman of Donga Elecomm; Joseph Yun, former Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the United States Embassy in Korea; Chung Dae-chul, Chairman of the Association of Former Members of the National Assembly; Chang Se-joo, Chairman of Dongkuk Steel; actor Jung Joon-ho, Executive Director of the Jeonju International Film Festival; and former Major League Baseball player Park Chan-ho, CEO of Team 61.

In her opening remarks, Alumnae Association President Kim Kyung-hee said, “The most precious and meaningful encounters are those shared with people who hold the same memories. We prepared this celebration with great care in the hope that it will become a treasured day that we will still remember ten or twenty years from now.”

In her welcoming address, Jeong Choon-hee, Chair of the Sookmyung Development Committee, said, “I am deeply grateful and delighted to celebrate Sookmyung’s proud 120-year history and tradition with all of you.” She added, “I vividly remember standing here twenty years ago as President of the Alumnae Association during the eve celebration for our 100th anniversary. Seeing this moving scene again today strengthens my belief that the power of Sookmyung has only grown with time.”

President Moon Si-yeun began her remarks by expressing gratitude to First Lady Kim Hye-kyung for attending the event. “Your presence here today is the warmest encouragement and support for both the 120-year history of women’s education that Sookmyung has built and the future it will continue to create,” she said.

President Moon emphasized, “Each alumna who has transformed society in her own field and paved the way for future generations is a part of Sookmyung’s history.” She continued, “In the next 120 years, Sookmyung will continue its bold journey of cultivating women leaders who transcend their era and change the world.”

At the event, First Lady Kim Hye-kyung was honored with the Proud Sookmyung Award. Presenting the award, President Moon explained, “She has embodied the intelligence, dignity, compassion, and spirit of sharing that characterize Sookmyung graduates, bringing warmth, inspiration, and hope to our society.”

In her congratulatory remarks, First Lady Kim said, “Sookmyung has not only educated outstanding talents but has also taught the values of respecting others, taking responsibility for the community, and building solidarity through mutual care.” She added, “I hope the university will continue to grow as an institution that inspires hope through intellectual excellence, dignity, and a strong sense of community while helping lead the world.”

The second part of the event was hosted by broadcaster Kim Sung-joo, a popular TV announcer. A charity auction was held to support Sookmyung’s future, drawing enthusiastic applause and participation from attendees throughout the evening. Every item offered at auction found a new owner.

Among the auction items, the most notable was a pair of traditional silver rings handcrafted by master metal artisan Park Hae-do and personally donated by First Lady Kim Hye-kyung. The rings had attracted significant domestic and international media attention after the First Lady wore them during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Korea earlier this year. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to the university development fund through the Alumnae Association.

The Sookmyung Women’s University Alumnae Association and the Development Cooperation Team of the Office of External Affairs stated, “The past 120 years, during which the flame of learning was preserved despite social constraints and prejudice, represent a proud history built through the lives and achievements of countless Sookmyung women.” They added, “We hope this eve celebration served as an opportunity to remember that precious legacy and to strengthen the bonds of the Sookmyung community across generations and regions.”

2026/6/4 “한류국제대학, '한국문화의 날' 첫 개최…유학생 130명과 K-컬처 한마당”

https://www.sookmyung.ac.kr/kr/news/sm-news.do?mode=view&articleNo=93726&article.offset=9&articleLimit=9

Title: College of Hallyu International Studies Holds First-Ever “K-Culture Day,” Bringing Together 130 International Students for a Celebration of Korean Culture

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As the Korean Wave (Hallyu) continues to establish itself as a global cultural phenomenon, Sookmyung Women’s University hosted its first-ever “K-Culture Day,” an event designed to give international students firsthand experience with Korean culture.

The College of Hallyu International Studies held the “2026 K-Culture Day” on May 27 at the Samsung Convention Center in the Centennial Hall. The event brought together approximately 150 participants, including Dean Moon Hyung-nam, Associate Dean Kim Kyung-ah, and around 130 international students enrolled in the college.

The program began with the Hallyu Innovation and Achievement Awards Ceremony, which recognized individuals who have contributed to the global expansion of Korean culture in areas such as beauty, healthcare, and food. The recipients were:

‘K-Beauty Hallyu Innovation Award’: Park Eui-hoon, CEO of Arocell, ‘K-Healthcare Innovation Award’: Dr. Na Kwang-moon, Director of Balance Quantum Clinic, ‘K-Beauty Hallyu Achievement Award’: Prof. Park Jung-ah, Dept. of K-Beauty Cosmetics, Sookmyung Women’s University, ‘K-Food Hallyu Achievement Award’: Prof. Shim Ki-hyun, Dept. of K-Food, Sookmyung Women’s University

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The first session also featured a hands-on workshop led by Lim Soo-ah, CEO of The Yeongrong Craft Studio, and artist Seo Ye-rin. During the program, participants created traditional najeonchilgi (mother-of-pearl lacquerware) keyrings. By crafting this traditional art form, which boasts a history spanning more than a thousand years, international students experienced the delicate beauty and craftsmanship of Korean culture firsthand. The opportunity to take home their completed works made the experience especially meaningful and enjoyable.

The second session featured a special lecture by Kang Mi-hyun, a certified labor attorney and CEO of the social cooperative ‘Goel Platform.’ Her presentation, titled “Safe Part-Time Employment for International Students and Post-Graduation Employment Visa Strategies,” provided practical information on topics including legal requirements for part-time work, strategies for obtaining employment visas, and key labor law considerations for students seeking jobs in Korea after graduation.

The inaugural “K-Culture Day” served as an opportunity for international students to experience Korean culture while building connections with one another regardless of nationality or academic major. The College of Hallyu International Studies plans to make the event an annual tradition and continue developing it into a major cultural festival.

Dean Moon Hyung-nam commented, “As Hallyu has become a cultural phenomenon woven into the lives of people around the world, I hope that one day ‘K-Culture Day’ will be recognized as an official national commemorative day that people across the globe can celebrate together.” He added, “The College of Hallyu International Studies will continue expanding its programs to help international students grow into future global partners of Hallyu.”