Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) held its 2025 second-semester degree-conferral ceremony at the Samsung Arts Center at 10:00 a.m. on August 21 and conferred degrees on 1,638 graduates.

The event was attended by some 2,000 people, including President Yang O-bong, university headquarters officials, members of the Academic Affairs Committee, former presidents, Choi Byung-seon, President of the Jeonbuk National University Alumni Association, Jo Ji-hoon, Mayor of Jeonju, as well as graduates and their parents.

President Yang conferred degrees on a total of 1,638 graduates: 188 doctoral degrees, 418 master's degrees, and 1,032 bachelor's degrees.

Certificates were presented to 90 outstanding graduates, including Si-hun Lee (College of Engineering). Nineteen students, including Ji-hoon Kim (College of Education), received the Core Talent Award, recognizing them as key talents. Forty-six students, including 가네쉬바리한다리 (College of Engineering), who demonstrated excellent research capabilities, were also presented with Outstanding Research Awards.

In his commencement address, President Yang urged the graduates embarking on a new chapter to become leaders in the AI era and to grow into talent suited to the age of AI.

President Yang said, "Graduating from university is not an end but a new beginning toward a wider world. With infinite possibilities ahead of you and massive changes centered on AI, I hope you will step forward confidently as leaders of this new era."

He continued, "Competitiveness in the AI era does not lie simply in using AI, but in creating new value together with AI. Cultivate boundless imagination and creativity, collaborate with people across diverse fields, and become the kind of talent that achieves greater outcomes."

He also emphasized, "AI can generate information and write text, but it cannot create trust or take responsibility. As technology advances, those who keep promises honestly and accept responsibility — in short, those who are trusted — will possess the strongest competitiveness."

Finally, he said, "AI is not your competitor but a tool that will expand your potential. Based on humanity that dreams, loves, and serves the community, take pride and become JBNU graduates who lead the AI era."