2025 Matriculation Address

February 24, 2025
President  Dong-Sup Yoon

Dear Incoming Class of 2025,

I extend my heartfelt welcome to each of you on your matriculation to Yonsei University. I also extend my sincere appreciation and congratulations to the parents and families who have supported our freshmen with unwavering dedication, making this moment possible.

Dear Freshmen,

Today, you take your first step on this campus as members of the Yonsei community. This matriculation ceremony is an occasion where you pledge to uphold and carry forward the 140-year-old Yonsei spirit of "Truth and Freedom." With your arrival, a new chapter in Yonsei’s history begins. As you embark on this journey, I would like to share a few words of encouragement with you.

First, be a Yonseian who always seeks truth.

At the heart of Yonsei’s 140-year tradition lies an unwavering passion for the pursuit of truth. This pursuit demands expanding our understanding of the world, engaging in deep self-reflection, and continuously striving to follow a path of righteousness and goodness. And on this path, we discover true freedom. In the coming years, you will explore diverse fields of knowledge, develop critical questioning skills, and work collaboratively to uncover answers—allowing you to see the world with new perspective.

Second, cultivate the courage to take on challenges without fear.

Achievers are those who boldly take new steps toward their dreams. Walking an unknown path instead of a familiar one always takes courage. As it is often said, “Life is the greatest adventure.”

As we step into new paths, we may stumble. But often, the very place where we fall holds hidden treasures. Since childhood, we have learned many things through countless trials and errors. Indeed, trial and error is a reliable teacher. As poet Chong Hyon-jong said, “Illness stengthen the body, and hardships fortify the heart.” So don’t be afraid of falling. When you brush yourself off and stand up again, you will discover a more mature, resilient you.

Even when you falter or fall, you are never alone. You have friends, mentors, professors, and a strong global community of 400,000 Yonsei alumni who will stand by your side. Every single one of you is truly special and possesses incredible potential. You follow in the footsteps of poet Yun Dong-ju, who once wrote, “My path is always a new path.” Yonsei University will spare no effort in helping you unlock and maximize your full potential.

Third, be a Yonseian who embodies empathy and kindness.

Humanity has flourished not as individuals but as a collective, thriving through strong communities. The power of a community surpasses that of an individual. We have always coexisted, finding solutions to challenges together. When people with diverse ideas and talents collaborate, we create power to change the world.

One study found that the most high-performing teams were not those made up of only top achievers, but those that listened to one another, communicated openly, and demonstrated kindness and empathy.  Being considerate of others can sometimes be inconvenient, and deep empathy requires self-reflection and effort. True leaders are those who willingly embrace such challenges and understand the significance of solidarity, compassion, and coexistence.

We live in an era marked by complexity and uncertainty. Issues such as climate change, energy crises, threats to diversity, conflicts, and social inequality are challenges too great for individuals or nations to solve alone. A spirit of community built on trust and diversity will open new paths forward. May you grow into empathetic leaders who foster collaboration and create meaningful change.

Dear Yonsei Freshmen,

I hope today marks the beginning of a journey where your dreams and passions meet the wider world. From this moment, you embark on a new adventure—one rooted in coexistence, solidarity, and the power of community. May you embrace, learn from, and support those you meet in the Yonsei family, paving the way for a brighter future together. May your courage to take on challenges help you expand your potential, and may your journey lead to meaningful contributions to society and humanity.

We cheer you on as you step into the future as part of the Yonsei community. Congratulations once again on your admission!

Thank you.