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-At JNU's 2026 New Year’s Ceremony on January 5, President Kim Eel-hwan encouraged faculty and staff through his New Year's address.

JNU (President Kim Eel-hwan) held its 2026 New Year’s Ceremony at Aramuse Hall on January 5, marking the beginning of the new year alongside university members.

President Kim Eel-hwan emphasized the need to overcome the challenging educational environment, such as the decrease in the school-age population, through close cooperation between local communities and universities.

In his New Year's address, President Kim Eel-hwan said, "2026 is a year symbolizing passion and a leap forward, and it will mark a turning point for JNU to make another leap toward becoming a Glocal University." He also stressed, "JNU's achievements last year, including the successful attraction of the Glocal University 30 project and the institutionalization of RISE, demonstrate that JNU has laid a solid foundation for growth in partnership with the region."

In particular, President Kim addressed the structural crisis posed by the declining school-age population, expressing his commitment to transform this challenge into a "new opportunity to connect the local community with the world."

To this end, he emphasized the importance of several key initiatives: △Establishing a K-running platform. △Establishing a Global Nomad University and the Jeju Institute for Advanced Human Resources Convergence. △Creating an open education and research ecosystem that fosters cooperation among domestic and foreign universities, research institutes, and companies.

Concurrently, President Kim underscored JNU's role, saying, "In connection with the government's national task of 'Creating 10 Seoul National Universities,' JNU should evolve into a glocal specialized university, leveraging Jeju's unique expertise and specialization, and play a key role in developing Jeju into a sustainable free international city."

During the ceremony, the JNU president, faculty members, and staff reflected on the achievements of 2025 and collectively pledged the direction and vision for university management in 2026.

The event proceeded with the presentation of awards (including both internal university recognitions and government-recognized honors), followed by the president's New Year's address. JNU specifically recognized professors, staff, and assistants for their dedication and hard work, commending those who significantly contributed to the university's development across various fields including education, research, and administration.