The 80th Anniversary Interview with President Park Jae Kyu

  Kyungnam University (KU) celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, alongside the 69th anniversary of the Kyungnam University Newspaper (KUN) and the 49th anniversaries of the Kyungnam University Broadcasting System (KUBS) and the Kyungnam Times (KT). To commemorate these milestones, we conducted an interview with President Park Jae Kyu on April 28, 2026, in the President’s Office. Participants included Seo Sat-byul, Director of the Center for University News and Press (CUNP); Shin Yeon-jun, General Manager of CUNP; Han Hak-sun, Managing Editor of KT; Park Sung-han, Student Editor of KUN; Kim Tae-hyung, Student Director of KUBS; and Jung Min-seo, Student Editor of KT. 

Q1 What are your thoughts on student recruitment strategies and university competitiveness amid the decline in the school-age population and concentration in the Seoul metropolitan area?

A1 The declining school-age population and concentration in the Seoul metropolitan area pose structural threats to regional universities. Universities should strengthen education linked to regional industries, expand support for international students, and promote lifelong education to enhance competitiveness and grow alongside local communities.

Q2 Amid higher education changes driven by regional innovation initiatives such as RISE, what projects and long-term strategies should our university prioritize?

A2 Higher education is moving beyond simple financial competition toward regional innovation and sustainable growth. In response, KU aims to lead through AI transformation (AX), stronger industry-academia cooperation, and innovation in education and academic structures. The university will also focus on cultivating practical talent connected to regional industries and expanding future-oriented educational programs.

Q3 How do you evaluate KU’s educational innovation and academic reforms in the AI (Artificial Intelligence) and DX (Digital Transformation) era, and what is the key direction for fostering future talent?

A3 In the AI era, universities must transform into future-oriented educational platforms that respond quickly to social and technological changes. KU will continue fostering future talent through flexible academic systems, balanced AI and humanities education, and expanded AI convergence programs that encourage creativity and practical problem-solving skills.

Q4 As student-centered university management becomes important, how will KU strengthen student support and welfare under the vision of a “student success university”?

A4 KU has implemented scholarships, mentoring programs, and personalized career guidance with recognized success. The university will continue building data-based educational systems and future-oriented learning environments to support student growth and success.

Q5 What are KU’s goals and strategies for employment and entrepreneurship support in a changing job market?

A5 KU has established a customized support system that spans career exploration, employment, and entrepreneurship. Going forward, the university plans to expand AI-based career services and industry-academia cooperation.

Q6 What should be the role and future direction of university media in a rapidly changing media environment?

A6 University media should actively communicate through SNS (Social Network Services) and digital content while continuing its role of documenting university history and delivering diverse perspectives.

Q7 What are your thoughts on the role of the Institute for Far Eastern Studies (IFES) and unification awareness among future generations?

A7 As global competition and complex crises intensify, new security strategies are needed. The IFES should provide practical alternatives and strengthen peace studies, while future generations should view unification as their own responsibility and prepare for a peaceful and cooperative future.

Q8 What is KU’s direction for strengthening students’ global competencies?

A8 KU has pursued internationalization with a focus on educational quality and sustainability. The university is strengthening major-specific overseas training programs and expanding education and career-linked international opportunities.

Q9 As KU celebrates its 80th anniversary, what is your vision for the university, and what message would you like to share with its members?

A9 In the face of changing times and new challenges, KU has steadfastly moved forward with the enduring Hanma Spirit, pursuing truth with passion and embracing innovation for the future. Building on our proud history, we will continue to strengthen education and research while becoming a “University for the Next 100 Years” that connects the local community with the world. We sincerely ask for your continued support and warm companionship as KU takes these bold steps toward shaping a new era.