On February 20, 2026, a wave of excitement and pride swept through Sogang University in Mapo-gu, Seoul, as 39 graduates of the law school gathered in room 118 of Jeong Hasang Hall to receive their hard-earned master's degrees. The 2025 academic year degree conferment ceremony was not just a routine event—it was a deeply meaningful occasion, marked by heartfelt speeches, emotional tributes, and a sense of new beginnings for the graduates and their families.
The ceremony, held on a crisp winter morning, drew an audience of distinguished faculty, alumni, and loved ones. Among those present were Hong Dae-sik, Dean of the Law School; Lee Chang-hyun, Vice Dean of Academic Affairs; Cho Won-seok, lawyer and president of the alumni association; and Jin Si-ho, lawyer and secretary general of the Seoul Bar Association. Their attendance underscored the significance of the day and the community’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of legal professionals.
The event began with a formal report on the graduates, setting the tone for the proceedings. This was followed by a series of congratulatory speeches that not only celebrated the accomplishments of the students but also offered guidance for the challenges ahead. According to the Law School Times, alumni president Cho Won-seok encouraged the graduates to cling to their original passion and the values of justice, especially when faced with the inevitable obstacles of the legal profession. “When you encounter moments of doubt in the face of reality’s barriers, remember the passion and the value of justice you held at the start of your law studies,” Cho said, adding a promise as a senior alumnus: “I will pave the road for you and be a strong support as you move forward.”
Gratitude was a recurring theme throughout the ceremony. Graduate representative Kim Min-gyu spoke on behalf of his peers, expressing deep appreciation for the professors who guided them, the families who waited patiently and offered unwavering support, and the classmates who shared both struggles and triumphs. “I want to extend congratulations and thanks to the professors who guided us, the families who supported us without hesitation, and, finally, to my classmates who endured all the ups and downs together,” Kim stated, as reported by the Law School Times.
In a gesture that added a unique touch to the ceremony, Sogang University Law School awarded honorary master’s degrees to family members and acquaintances who had supported the graduates throughout their academic journey. This symbolic act not only recognized the collective effort behind each graduate’s success but also emphasized the importance of community and encouragement in achieving personal milestones. The moment was met with smiles, tears, and a palpable sense of shared accomplishment.
Seo Tae-seok, one of the graduates, captured the mood of the day in his remarks: “I am proud of all my classmates who worked so hard, and I hope that, as this is a new beginning, only good things will come our way.” His words reflected both the relief of completing a demanding program and the optimism that comes with embarking on a new phase of life.
For Kim Min-gyu, the journey through law school was far from solitary. The camaraderie and perseverance of his peers left a lasting impression. “Seeing my classmates smile after all the hard work makes me realize that these three years were not in vain,” Kim said, expressing his resolve to continue his legal training as a judicial research fellow and become a judge known for fair and just rulings. His ambition resonated with the audience, many of whom understood the weight of responsibility that comes with a career in law.
Dean Hong Dae-sik took the podium to offer a final word of advice to the departing students. He reminded them that the role of a legal professional extends far beyond technical expertise. “A legal professional is not just a technician,” Hong emphasized, according to the Law School Times. “Behind every case file and legal document, there are people’s desperate lives, grievances, and hopes. Never forget that. Your exceptional intellect, unwavering integrity, and compassion for others will be the foundation for upholding the rule of law.”
As the official proceedings drew to a close, graduates tossed their caps in the air, marking the symbolic transition from students to professionals. The celebratory mood continued outside the hall, where graduates and their families gathered for commemorative photos, capturing the joy and relief that comes after years of intense study and sacrifice. According to Yonhap News, the morning was filled with laughter and hugs as the new graduates posed with their loved ones, making memories to last a lifetime.
The ceremony was not just about individual achievement—it was a testament to the enduring values of justice, perseverance, and community that Sogang University Law School seeks to instill in its students. The presence of respected alumni and legal professionals underscored the importance of mentorship and support networks in building a meaningful career. As Cho Won-seok reminded the graduates, the community of Sogang alumni stands ready to help guide and support them as they navigate the complexities of the legal world.
For many of the new graduates, the journey is just beginning. Some will pursue further training as judicial research fellows, while others may enter private practice or public service. Whatever paths they choose, the lessons learned and the relationships forged during their time at Sogang will serve as a compass in the years ahead. The ceremony’s unique tradition of honoring families and supporters with honorary degrees highlighted the reality that no one achieves success alone—a sentiment echoed by many in attendance.
As the sun set on a day filled with reflection and celebration, the graduates of Sogang University Law School’s class of 2025 stood on the threshold of their professional lives, buoyed by the encouragement of their mentors, the pride of their families, and the knowledge that their efforts had not gone unnoticed. In the words of Dean Hong, their intellect, integrity, and warmth will be the bedrock upon which the future of the legal profession rests. The next chapter awaits, and these new graduates appear more than ready to meet it head-on.