Kyung Hee University (KHU) held its 2024 Commencement on February 19, 2025, at both the Seoul and Global campuses. Many students participated, celebrating the culmination of their university journey with family and friends. A notable feature of this graduation is the new graduation gown, enhancing the student's satisfaction by clearly reflecting KHU’s identity. Besides the newly designed clothes, the graduation day appears to remain a memorable day for participants with various efforts made by the KHU community.

Commencement ceremony at the Seonseung Building

Overall 2024 Commencement Ceremony

The official commencement event took place at the Grand Peace Hall on the Seoul Campus and the Seonseung Building on the Global Campus. Starting at 11 a.m., both events followed a structured program, including the national anthem, an alumni congratulatory speech, the commencement address, conferral of degrees, awards for academic excellence, a student farewell speech, a celebratory performance, and the school anthem.

At the Seoul Campus, KHU President Kim Jin-sang delivered the graduation address, while Vice President Hong Choog-seon took the podium at the Global Campus. President Kim encouraged students by saying, “I hope you have challenged yourself with impossible dreams at Kyung Hee, and that you will continue to pursue them in the future.” He added, “I hope that the past, in which you were proud Kyung Hee students, seamlessly connects to a future where you grow into global leaders and distinguished alumni.”

Vice President Hong Choog-seon is giving the commencement address

For the student farewell speech, the speakers shared words of encouragement, wishing all graduates a bright future.

Lee Su-min, a graduate of the Dept. of Business Administration, remarked, "There is no universal standard for happiness, so I have found my own joy in small moments of daily life. Since each of us is the main character of our own story, I hope you can discover your own happiness."

Kim In-kyeom, a graduate of the Convergence Engineering Institute for Emerging Communication Technology, followed with his speech, saying, "We have overcome numerous challenges that once seemed impossible to solve. Although life after graduation will present various obstacles, I believe we will achieve great results, just as we have done before. I hope we grow into outstanding professionals who contribute to society with the spirit of challenge and creative thinking nurtured at KHU."

Creating Lasting Memories for Graduates

To make the day even more special, KHU prepared various activities beyond the formal ceremony. Special graduation-themed photo booths were set up across the campuses. The Seoul Campus operated a booth in front of the Cheongwoon Building, offering photo frames designed with KHU's signature characters. The Global Campus installed two photo booth locations—at the Student Center and the main campus entrance—providing four KHU-themed photo frames, including one featuring President Kim. The photo booths remained available until February 21 on both campuses, allowing students to capture their graduation memories.

Additionally, students who attended the official ceremony at the Global Campus received Khuong, the University’s official mascot doll. The name Khuong combines KHU and león, Spanish for lion, and added the alphabet g to soften the sound. A total of 250 mascot dolls were distributed to students who arrived at the Seonseung Building between 10:40 and 10:55 a.m.

One of the most notable aspects of this year’s graduation was the introduction of a newly designed graduation gown. The previous design, predominantly black with minimal embellishments, was criticized for lacking representation of KHU’s identity. To address this concern, Professor Kam Seon-ju from the Dept. of Clothing & Textiles led a development team to redesign the gown.

Through extensive efforts and feedback from the university community, the new gown now better reflects KHU’s identity. The updated design incorporates the University’s signature colors—red and navy—and features pleats symbolizing the pillars of the University Administration Building. Additionally, a triangular shape was added to represent the pointed arch of the Grand Peace Hall.

The final design also integrated student suggestions, including displaying the University emblem on the front, using KHU’s signature purple and gold, reshaping the neckline from a square to an oval, and distinguishing undergraduate and master’s degree gowns.

Graduates expressed their satisfaction with the redesigned gown. Park Yong-bin, a graduate of the Dept. of Taekwondo, remarked, “The previous design was mostly black and felt monotonous. This new design represents KHU much better.”

Oh Seo-young, a graduate of the Dept. of Korean Language, added, “Seeing the gown in person, it looks even more beautiful. Unlike the previous all-black design, this one clearly reflects KHU’s identity.”

In front of the Global Campus Philosopher’s Square

A Day of Celebration and Farewells

Since graduation day is a once-in-a-lifetime event for students, many of their loved ones visit the University to celebrate in various ways. At Global Campus, Philosopher’s Square and the Seonseung Building were filled with friends and family members, unlike on a regular day at the University. Likewise, at the Seoul Campus, the University Administration Building was vibrant with visitors.

Even though the graduation event had ended, the students and their families were queuing in a long line to take pictures. On Global Campus, a photo zone was installed in front of the Central Library, while for Seould Campus, it was placed at the Fountain at the University Administration Building.

Some students even prepared personalized banners to celebrate their friends' graduation. Across the campuses, these banners were hung on trees and buildings, incorporating humorous elements and unique characteristics of the graduates.

Personalized graduation celebration banners

Amidst the joyful atmosphere, graduates reflected on their university journey with mixed emotions. Kim, one of the graduates, shared, “I cried and laughed a lot throughout my university years, and I often wondered if this day would ever come. But here we are.”

Oh also added her feelings, expressing, “Graduating feels surreal. As a transfer student at KHU, my time here passed so quickly. While I feel a bit sad, I also feel relieved.”

As most graduates were admitted to KHU during the pandemic, they encouraged current students to make the most of their university experience. Kim remarked, "I studied during the COVID-19 era, when activities were limited. I hope current students can fully enjoy their time and make the most of their university life."

Oh also mentioned the impact of COVID-19, adding, "Now that the pandemic has completely subsided, undergraduate students have more opportunities to enjoy a meaningful university experience. Although I could not fully participate in various activities due to restrictions, I hope current students create lasting memories by actively engaging in events organized by the University."

Life has several phases that require both beginnings and endings. As university graduation is one of them, many people celebrate the graduates in various ways. With KHU continuing to demonstrate its commitment to growth—among students, families, and graduates—a brighter future awaits the entire KHU community.