Two years ago in the spring, as I ran for dean, I promised a "Beginning of Change." Upon assuming office, I immediately moved into action together with approximately 330 faculty members. Since then, however, the world — and Korea — has changed at a breathtaking pace. The way society views engineering has also shifted significantly. Today, our neighbors casually discuss semiconductors, AI, energy, and power grids in local coffee shops and even in saunas.
In this sense, I consider myself fortunate. These trends have only intensified during my service as the dean. In the name of SNU Engineering, and with its collective strength, I have made every effort to reinforce and ride this momentum. Now, with due humility, I can say this: "By transforming ourselves, we are leading a global change."
The greatest driving force behind this transformation was the outstanding faculty of SNU Engineering. Whether in planning and launching new programs and organizations, preparing large-scale research projects, expanding industry collaboration, participating in government committees, or contributing to the media, our faculty have always responded willingly. Their passion and sense of mission have formed the strongest foundation for our transformation.
The second driving force was our 70,000 alumni. When I asked for their interest and support, responses came one by one. As a result, my smartphone now contains a list of nearly a thousand key alumni — this is my "big data." Around this network, various collaborations are now taking shape.
The third driving force was the government, local authorities, industry, and the media. I have worked tirelessly — visiting ministries, corporations, the National Assembly, governors' and mayors' offices. I have written newspaper columns, given interviews, and appeared on broadcasts. I also advised and appeared in the KBS special feature "China Obsessed with Engineering, Korea Obsessed with Medicine," which, as you know, generated significant public response.
At the same time, I did not neglect internal university affairs. Rare for a single college, we have secured university headquarter's approval for new building construction budgets for two consecutive years (totaling KRW 70 billion in government funding and KRW 30 billion in private funding). We have also achieved tangible progress in faculty recruitment and in reducing mandatory teaching hour requirements. In particular, in 2025, I was honored to receive the "Best Dean Award", presented to engineering colleges deans nationwide, and our college was selected as the "Best Administrative Organization" at Seoul National University.
I now possess a uniquely strong network, trust from government and industry, and broad recognition in the media and among the public. What SNU Engineering needs now is to accelerate the pace of this change. The beginning of change required our courage; accelerating it is our responsibility. Upon that responsibility, we will continue to write the history of innovation at SNU Engineering — together, and without hesitation. I ask for your support.
