Lee Go-un, a Class of 2020 student in the Department of Forest and Environmental Systems at the College of Science and Technology, Kookmin University (President Jeong Seung Ryul), has been selected as a final candidate for the 2026 Grade 5 National Civil Service Open Competitive Examination (Administrative Service Examination) in the Forest Resources track.

On Friday, October 30, the Ministry of Personnel Management announced the final list of successful candidates for the 2026 Grade 5 Open Competitive Recruitment Examination through the National Civil Service Recruitment System. With only three positions scheduled to be filled nationwide for the Forest Resources track this year, Lee Go-un earned the honor of final selection after overcoming fierce competition.

Currently a senior in the Department of Forest and Environmental Systems, Lee Go-un has steadily built her skills by devoting more than 15 hours a day to studying while balancing her academic workload with exam preparation. Although she faced various challenges during the exam process, such as declining physical stamina and psychological stress, her perseverance and dedication toward her goal allowed her to see this challenge through to the end and achieve a valuable result.

Student Lee Go-woon shared her thoughts on being accepted, saying, “It was by no means an easy journey, but I want to tell myself ‘well done’ for not losing my composure during difficult moments and for never giving up until the very end.” She added, “I sincerely thank my parents, who have always believed in and supported me, and the professors in my department, who have provided me with generous encouragement and guidance.” She continued, “Going forward, I want to actively address the climate crisis and environmental changes and develop policies that contribute to sustainable forest management and conservation not only in Korea but on a global scale.” She added, “I will grow into a public servant who listens to the voices of the people, creates an environment where nature and humans can coexist, and brings real happiness and hope to the lives of the people.”

Professor Park Jihyun, Chair of the Department of Forest and Environmental Systems at Kookmin University, stated, “I am very pleased and proud that Lee Go-un’s hard work and dedication have borne such valuable fruit.” She added, “Next year is a particularly meaningful year as our department celebrates its 40th anniversary and embarks on a new chapter under the name Department of Forest, Climate, and Environmental Sciences, so this acceptance holds even greater significance for all members of the department.”
She further remarked, “I hope that Lee Go-woon’s achievement will give our junior students the confidence and motivation to pursue their dreams, and serve as a driving force for our department’s next leap forward.” She concluded, “We will continue to do our utmost to cultivate outstanding professionals who can contribute to the nation and society in the fields of forestry, climate, and the environment, and to enhance our competitiveness in education and research.”

Meanwhile, Kookmin University’s Department of Forest and Environmental Systems has contributed to the development of specialized professionals and academic advancement in the fields of forestry and the environment since its establishment in 1987. As it approaches its 40th anniversary in 2027, the department will change its name to the “Department of Forest, Climate, and Environment” and is preparing for a new leap forward to lead the future of the forestry, climate, and environmental sectors through various commemorative events.