“Alumni journalists, let us join forces so our alma mater can advance as a leading global university representing Korea.”

The nationwide association of current and former journalists who graduated from Jeonbuk National University (JBNU), the "JBNU Alumni Journalists Association" (Chairman Choi Dong-seong), held the "Alumni Journalists New Year's Reception" on January 10 at 7:00 PM in Jinsudang Gain Hall, where attendees exchanged New Year's greetings and fellowship.

The reception was well attended by President Seo Geo-seok and Vice-President Shin Hyo-geun, other administrative faculty, and about 100 current and former alumni journalists from newspapers, broadcasters, and news agencies, including Chairman Choi Dong-seong of the Alumni Journalists Association (Department of Public Administration, Class of '78).

Hosted by JTV Jeonju Broadcasting anchor Yoo Jin-su (Department of German Language & Literature, Class of '93'), the reception included a screening of a video showcasing JBNU's development, followed by presentations on the university's vision and current status.

At the "Alumni Journalists Award" ceremony, honoring alumni who distinguished themselves in the media over the past year, honorees included Kang Seon-kyu, Director of Current Affairs Production at KBS (Department of Sociology, Class of '78); Yoo Gi-ha, Head of Policy Review at Jeonju MBC (Department of Sociology, Class of '78); and Yoo Dong-seong, Chief Editorial Writer at Jeollailbo (Department of Economics, Class of '75').

In his welcome address, President Seo Geo-seok said, "It would not be an exaggeration to say that the future of our alma mater, the local community, and even the country depends on the role of the alumni journalists gathered here. Please continue to fulfill your mission of reporting truthfully and conscientiously, do your utmost for regional and national development, and take a deep interest in the advancement of our alma mater."

He added, "Through continuous change and innovation, our alma mater has risen to become a prestigious university attracting the greatest attention from the media and higher education community, having achieved sixth place among domestic comprehensive universities in world university rankings. We will not be satisfied with this; we will improve research conditions so that world-class research outcomes can be produced, and strive to become the university that teaches best."

Chairman Choi Dong-seong said, "The JBNU Alumni Journalists Association, as a group where senior and junior journalists meet, must establish its identity and symbolic value and expand its scope. Going forward, our association will actively work to enhance the standing of our alma mater, and we will do our best whenever there are opportunities to contribute to its development."