[468 Interview] Bridging Legacy, Tradition, and Innovation

   Yun Jae-woong has dedicated his academic and professional life to Dongguk University as the president, progressing from student to researcher, professor, and now president. To support students in confidently shaping their futures, he is committed to expanding career development programs and academic opportunities. He also emphasizes strengthening internationalization efforts, fostering a dynamic learning environment that prepares students for a rapidly evolving world. While preserving Dongguk’s esteemed traditions, he continues to drive innovation, ensuring the university remains globally competitive and forward-looking.

Q. Please introduce yourself.

   I entered Dongguk University as a scholarship student and continued my studies through graduate school. After graduation, I held various positions, including researcher at a research institute, faculty professor at a newspaper, director of the Dongguk Media Center, head of the public relations office, and dean of the College of Education, before becoming the president of Dongguk University. Having never experienced another university or workspace, I consider myself a true Donggukian and feel a deep responsibility to give back to the university for all the opportunities it has provided me.

Q. You have published Seo Jeong-ju School 1 & 2 and Jilmajae Story. Could you share your research findings and personal insights on the poet Seo Jeong-ju, particularly with these two works?

   I firmly believe in the academic value of poet Seo Jeong-ju and feel a strong responsibility for ensuring that Dongguk University maintains its leadership in Seo Jeong-ju’s research. I have worked to promote research on him and contributed to preserving his relics at the Dongguk University Library and the Gochang Midan Literature Museum. The recently published Seo Jeong-ju School 1 & 2 are books that compile professional research papers on Seo Jeong-ju, while Jilmajae Story is a literary essay related to his hometown, serving as a literary travel guide that the general public can easily read. The term “Seo Jeong-ju School” refers to an academic group that studies his works and evaluates his literary value. I believe it includes those who continue to research his achievements.

   Some people label Seo Jeong-ju as a “pro-Japanese collaborator” and attempt to undermine his literary value, but I disagree with this assessment. It is unfair to judge his entire life and literary contributions based on a few pro-Japanese poems. Literature should be evaluated in light of its historical context. Seo Jeong-ju’s works reflect the richness of Korean culture. I will continue my research on Seo Jeong-ju and work to ensure Dongguk University remains at the center of his studies.

Q. Dongguk University has ranked in the top 10 in The JoongAng University rankings for several years. How has internationalization contributed to this achievement, and what is your vision for furthering it?

   Dongguk University needs to improve its internationalization index and educational programs, with the core strategy being to increase the number of international exchange students. To achieve this, we will invest in new facilities, optimize space usage, and expand English-language course offerings. We will also recruit more faculty members who can provide counseling and support for international students and streamline the process by reorganizing the Global Service Desk.

   Additionally, we will strengthen financial support to encourage more Korean students to participate in overseas exchange programs. Looking forward, we aim to break into the top 300 and eventually the top 100 in global university rankings by increasing the proportion of international faculty and students, thus boosting our international competitiveness.

Q. As we enter the 2025 academic year, what is the university’s vision for the future?

   The main operational direction for the 2025 academic year includes significant changes, such as reorganizing the administrative structure to promote sustainable development and respond to future societal needs. We will establish the position of Vice President for the BMC to oversee its operations and strategic initiatives. We will create new teams, including the 120th Anniversary Task Force, the Faculty Personnel Office, and the Education Planning Team, to strengthen educational innovation and research industry academic collaboration. Furthermore, we will establish a new Global Service Desk to enhance services for international students.

   To celebrate the university’s 120th anniversary in 2026, we will form a Task Force and generate ideas through a university-wide competition. Regarding infrastructure, we plan to build the Lotus Hall near the Hyehwa Hall, with an expected completion date of 2028. This new building will serve as a landmark with convenient access to Dongguk University Station. The BMC campus will strengthen industry-academic cooperation, positioning itself as a representative campus of northern Gyeonggi-do. We will continue driving educational innovation through research focused on science, engineering, and other key disciplines, alongside the Open Major Program for incoming students. Finally, we will fulfill the university’s social responsibilities through D-ESG management.

Q. After 18 years, the university has decided to increase tuition fees. While some believe this is an inevitable decision, others are concerned about the financial burden and whether it will lead to tangible improvements in university life. What are your thoughts on the rationale behind this tuition hike and its expected outcomes?

   The tuition increase has a significant impact on the university’s finances, raising the annual budget by approximately 7.7 billion KRW. Over the next 10 years, this will accumulate to around 80 billion KRW, which will play a critical role in the university’s operations. For the past 15 to 16 years, tuition fees have not increased significantly in line with inflation, forcing the university had to rely on national funding. This reliance has resulted, in a lack of autonomy, effectively making the university operate similarly to a public institution. Given that our tuition is relatively low compared to other private educational institutions, the increase was an unavoidable decision. Considering the improvements in educational infrastructure and the future benefits for students, I believe this should not be seen as a burden.

   Although the tuition hike will disqualify some students from receiving National Scholarship Type 2, the university plans to expand scholarship opportunities and raise additional funds through donations, thereby increasing the total scholarship amount. Furthermore, the additional funds will be allocated to improve the educational environment in ways that directly benefit students.

Q. Despite the availability of platforms provided by the university, many students feel that these are insufficient. What is your view on the need to improve communication at the university level?

   Dongguk University currently operates various communication platforms, such as the Communication & Empathy homepage, Q&A, and Conversations with the President. We are also exploring ways to make it easier for students to share their opinions. As part of the Open Major Program, we have established the “Triple-A” mentoring group to support major selection and career planning. The Joint Appointment program helps students choose a major, while the Academic Advisor supports students in adapting to university life. Additionally, the Campus Assistants of 108 Leaders will support freshmen in settling into a new environment smoothly.

   In February, we launched the “Communication & Empathy Committee,” which includes planners from the Planning and Student Affairs Offices, as well as student representatives from various departments and academic programs. This committee holds regular meetings to discuss key issues, gather student feedback, and address concerns quickly and effectively. Moving forward, we will continue to strengthen transparent and open communication with our students.

Q. In the current challenging job market, what preparations should Dongguk University students make to enhance their job prospects? Additionally, what support programs or opportunities can the university provide to assist them?

   The end of public recruitment, the expansion of mid-career hires, and the era of stepwise job changes are some of the key trends, and many young people, including our students, are facing difficulties in finding jobs. As the president and, moreover, as someone who has lived through similar challenges, I deeply sympathize with their struggles and feel a profound sense of responsibility. To enhance our students’ competitiveness in the job market, we have made significant changes to our employment programs for the 2025 academic year, based on feedback from the current students and alumni.

   In particular, we plan to substantially increase funding for personalized consulting services, including mentoring programs with professionals from leading companies along with resume reviews and mock interview sessions. Despite the difficulties, Dongguk University is committed to supporting our students in turning their dreams into reality.

Q. As a former Dongguk University student, what encouragement or advice would you like to share with them?

   Students should take pride in being part of Dongguk and have confidence in their place within the community. These feelings do not develop overnight but naturally grow through education and experiences. Before becoming president, I developed an online course titled “History and Figures of Dongguk,” where students can learn about the university’s history and distinguished alumni. Through this course, I hope students gradually develop a strong sense of pride in Dongguk.

   Next year, we will celebrate the university’s 120th anniversary. During this celebration, as president, I encourage students to take pride in Dongguk University’s history, traditions, alumni, and current standing. I urge them to cultivate a sense of ownership, recognizing that as members of this community, they can achieve great things.