On August 18, 2021, the General Student Association, GONG:GAN held a meeting with Jeon Youngjae, the 21st president of Konkuk University. The meeting was conducted by asking the president questions composed of questions collected in advance.

     Related to KU’s branding, the president said that the reason why the the school’s insignia1) is not currently installed on campus is because there were management difficulties. In addition, no follow-up production discussions have been made since the school slogan was changed. Next, he said to have focused on internal developments such as AACSB2) certification, strengthening job creation capabilities, and education and employment opportunities for enrolled students. Next year, the “Konkuk Brand Diagnosis Project” is planned to be implemented as well.

     When it comes to Iluhun, it helps to prepare for the national exams and the certification exams. He said additional programs for certification are being test run, but they are temporarily off due to COVID-19. In particular, he recommended the special scholarship system of Iluheon. Enrolled students can be granted scholarships if they pass various certification tests in charge of Iluheon.

     About the current online classes, the president said The Remote Learning Management Committee, in which the university headquarters, professor representatives, and student representatives participated, will act against subjects that violate the guidelines for the students’ right for learning.

     About plans for the cleaning and repair of old facilities, according to the president, KU's facility team answered that they are carrying out environmental improvement projects for old facilities every semester. Regarding the dormitory problem, KU is trying take action to solve students' complaints. Furthermore, they would request the building management company to conduct a precise diagnosis of the aging dormitory buildings and establish a long-term repair plan. As for the inconvenience of facilities of the Konkuk Institute of Technology, the president informed there are limitations to accomodate. If students require space, the allocation will be considered.

     About the use of school facilities, he said KU is trying to use them as much as possible according to the government's social distancing rules. When it comes to new facilities, he introduced “KU Kreative Room” and “The Multimeida Information Center” at the Sanghu Memorial Library. “KU Kreative Room” is an open learning space scheduled to open at the Business School, Architecture College, and Science College.

     As for the questions related to tuition, the reason for the same tuition fee was asked in a limited situation in classrooms, convenience facilities, and practical classes. He answered that KU is experiencing financial difficulties due to the prolonged COVID-19 situation. They said a lot of money is spent in places that are not actually visible. Currently, school tuition is being invested in improving the online class environment. 

     For the impression of the first talkfest, the president said that it seems to be the first time he spoke candidly, and that he would like to help the students a lot and that it would be nice to have more time to communicate. In addition, he insisted that KU pursues creative education and winwin management, and qualitative growth with the goal of becoming one of the top 100 universities in the world, making bold investments in the establishment of educational infrastructure and development of educational content.

By Cha Hyun-seung, Junior Reporter / gustmd3015@konkuk.ac,kr