New Alumni Association President JUNG Tae-il Visits YU, Reaches Consensus with President CHOI Oe-chool on “Normalizing University–Alumni Relations”

“We Will Report Alumni News More Responsibly” … “Let’s Build a Win-Win Model for University–Alumni–Graduates”

Agreement to Hold a ‘Campus Trekking Event’ for Alumni Unity in May

[March 26, 2026]

<From left: JUNG Tae-il, President of the YU General Alumni Association, and President CHOI Oe-chool>

Yeungnam University (YU), led by President CHOI Oe-chool, and its General Alumni Association, headed by President JUNG Tae-il, have agreed to join forces and move forward with a unified voice for the development of their alma mater.

 On March 19, JUNG Tae-il, who assumed office in February this year as the 44th President of the YU General Alumni Association, visited the university along with key alumni officials and met with President CHOI Oe-chool. During the meeting, both sides reached a shared understanding on normalizing their previously strained relationship. They agreed to use this occasion as a turning point to restore communication, rebuild mutual trust, and pursue forward-looking cooperation.

 President JUNG stated, “The Alumni Association exists to support our alma mater, and when the university thrives, alumni pride also grows. Leaving the past behind, we will focus our efforts on building a future-oriented relationship with YU. We will contribute to the university’s development in a more constructive way than before.” He added, “We will approach our role with renewed determination so that the Alumni Association can function more effectively. At the same time, we hope the university will work together with us to ensure a healthy and active alumni network.”

 An alumni official present at the meeting remarked, “Many who care deeply about the university and the Alumni Association have described the past four years as a ‘difficult period.’  With President JUNG at the center, we expect the Alumni Association to quickly return to normal.”

President JUNG previously served as the 40th and 41st President of the YU General Alumni Association. Upon assuming office again as the 44th President, he emphasized restoring relations between the Alumni Association and YU as his top priority. This visit to his alma mater reflects that strong commitment.

The meeting also included discussions on a joint event to promote unity among alumni and university members. President JUNG proposed, “It would be meaningful to hold a trekking event in May—when the YU campus is at its most beautiful—where alumni can gather and showcase their unity to the local community.” In response, President CHOI said, “Let us jointly plan the purpose and operation of the event to create a model of harmony between the university and its alumni association that other universities will admire.”

 President JUNG further emphasized, “When the collective support of our 290,000 alumni comes together as one, both the university and the Alumni Association can grow.  This is also the core mission of the Alumni Association. We will take the lead in acting responsibly. We also hope the university will make efforts to encourage alumni to visit their alma mater more often. We will move forward by closing the chapter on the past and opening the door to the future. Going forward, we will ensure more careful and responsible reporting in the alumni newsletter.”

 President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “Next year marks the 80th anniversary of our university.  This is a crucial time when the role of the Alumni Association and the unity of alumni are more important than ever. The 80th anniversary is not just a celebration for the university, but a meaningful occasion to restore pride for all alumni. Looking ahead, I hope that the General Alumni Association and all alumni will come together in unity to support our alma mater’s leap toward its centennial.” He continued, “As mentioned earlier, I sincerely hope that no further harm will be caused to members of our university community by misinformation. During past admissions periods, repeated inaccurate reporting in the alumni newsletter and certain actions by a few individuals caused considerable disappointment among university members. Now is the time to correct past mistakes and move forward together with a shared vision.” He added, “The university will also strengthen communication and actively cooperate to support the healthy growth and proper role of the Alumni Association.Let us take the 80th anniversary as an opportunity to build a model of mutual growth where the university, the Alumni Association, and alumni unite as one and set an example for society.”

 Starting with this meeting, YU and its General Alumni Association have taken the first step toward restoring their relationship. Both sides agreed to continue discussions on regular communication and joint initiatives, while exploring practical cooperation projects that will enable the university, its alumni, and the local community to grow together.