Kookmin University (President Jeong Seung Ryul) held its 2025 First Semester Degree Conferment Ceremony on the morning of Wednesday, February 11, at the Kookmin University Concert Hall. Attended by university officials and parents, the ceremony conferred degrees upon 2,338 bachelor's, 801 master's, and 147 doctoral graduates, marking their new beginnings.

The commencement address, delivered by Kim Bong Jin, former CEO of Woowa Brothers and alumnus of the Graduate School of Design, drew particular attention. Alumnus Kim Bong Jin is the founder of Woowa Brothers, the operator of the nationally established service ‘Baedal Minjok’ (Delivery Nation). He was the first Korean to join the international philanthropy movement ‘Giving Pledge,’ pledging to return a significant portion of his wealth to society, and has received the Presidential Commendation three times.

Kim Bong Jin shared his own experience, stating, “In 2010, I enrolled in Kookmin University's Graduate School of Design because my future seemed bleak.” He continued, “While some find their direction immediately after graduation, many still feel lost,” adding that his message today was intended for “graduates feeling that sense of uncertainty.”

Alumnus Kim advised, “If the future seems dark, don't force yourself to find some grand dream. Instead, try sincerely helping others.” He emphasized that the experience and know-how gained while helping others become ‘yours’ – something no one can take away – and that the immersion of genuinely helping customers is the best way to cultivate a ‘sense of work’. He also mentioned a practical sense of community, stating, “A helping heart ultimately builds your reputation and can return as new opportunities.”

Alumnus Kim also suggested viewing success not by achievements but by trust and relationships. He stated, “Success is being loved by those you love,” stressing the importance of becoming someone colleagues want to work with again. Finally, he encouraged graduates, “Today, express gratitude and love to your parents first, then celebrate freely,” adding, “Feeling lost is infinite potential.”

In his congratulatory address, President Jeong Seung Ryul encouraged graduates by framing graduation not as ‘completion’ but as a ‘record’. President Jeong stated, "Today's diploma is not proof that you are ‘now a complete person’, but a record that you are ‘someone who has walked this far to the end’. It's okay to feel anxious, to be undecided, or to seem slower than others.
The very fact that you each navigated this time at your own pace is already a remarkable achievement.“

President Jeong specifically mentioned the times that differed from the planned university experience—periods when students had to wear masks in lecture halls and days when they met only through screens—emphasizing, ”Yet you did not give up, and you stand here today." He continued, “The path ahead won't always be clear, and moments of self-doubt may come,” but added, “You are the ones who walked through difficult times to the very end here, and today's diploma is the quietest yet strongest proof of that fact.”

Meanwhile, for this commencement ceremony, Kookmin University promoted ‘80th Anniversary Branding Enhancement’ to connect the university's brand experience with the graduation ceremony, marking its 80th anniversary. Under the concept of ‘KMU Blue Waves Celebrating a New Beginning,’ enhanced visual elements were applied throughout the entire route from the main gate to the ceremony venue to strengthen the first impression.

Specifically, the university enhanced its branding image through: ▲ KMU Blue wave displays integrating banner stands around the main gate ▲ Street ambiance created using premium streetlight banners ▲ Event venue pillar wrapping and vertical banner installations.

Additionally, participatory photo zones, including a large 3-meter balloon figure of ‘MR.Doctor’ wearing an academic gown, spread the celebratory mood. The campus atmosphere was further enhanced by playing requested songs through the athletic field's sound system. Furthermore, on the day of the ceremony, graduation congratulations messages and photos were displayed across key DID screens—including campus signage, electronic boards, and the main building media wall—making the entire campus feel like a celebration space.

Kookmin University stated that this commencement ceremony served as a ‘starting point for moving to the next stage’ for graduates and marked the beginning of a renewed connection with their alma mater as alumni. President Jeong conveyed, “I hope the time and experiences graduates have built at Kookmin University become a solid foundation for their future lives,” adding, “Kookmin University will continue to strengthen its connection with alumni and remain a partner supporting their growth and challenges even after graduation.”