On the morning of February 20, 2026, a sense of accomplishment and anticipation filled the air at Sogang University in Mapo-gu, Seoul. The university’s Law School convened its 2025 academic year degree conferment ceremony in room 118 of Jung Hasang Hall, marking a significant milestone for 39 graduates who received their hard-earned master's degrees. The event was not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a testament to the strength of community and the enduring values that underpin the legal profession.
The ceremony began with a formal report on the graduating class, setting a reflective tone for the proceedings. Graduates, adorned in their academic regalia, gathered for commemorative photographs—a tradition that captures both joy and the gravity of the moment. According to Yonhap News, the excitement was palpable as students posed together, marking the transition from years of rigorous study to the threshold of their professional journeys.
Key figures from the university and the broader legal community were present to honor the graduates. Among the attendees were Hong Dae-sik, Dean of the Law School; Lee Chang-hyun, Vice Dean of Academic Affairs; Cho Won-seok, President of the Alumni Association; and Jin Si-ho, Secretary General of the Seoul Bar Association. Their presence underscored the importance of the occasion and the network of support that surrounds each new graduate.
The formalities gave way to speeches that resonated with wisdom and encouragement. Cho Won-seok, representing the alumni, offered heartfelt advice to the new graduates. "When you face moments of hardship against the wall of reality, remember the passion and the original intentions you had when you began studying law, and the values of justice," he urged. He went on to promise, "As a senior, I will work to pave a smoother path for those who follow and be a reliable shelter for you all." His words, reported by Law School Times, drew nods and smiles from the audience, many of whom had already encountered their share of late nights and difficult decisions in pursuit of their degrees.
Graduate representative Kim Min-gyu took the stage to express gratitude on behalf of his peers. "I would like to extend my congratulations and thanks to our professors who guided us, our families who supported and waited for us without sparing anything, and, lastly, to the classmates who shared every moment with me," he said. The applause that followed was a fitting tribute to the unseen hands—family, friends, and faculty—who had helped each graduate reach this day.
In a gesture that added a deeply personal touch to the ceremony, Sogang University awarded honorary master's degrees to family members and friends who had supported the graduates throughout their studies. The symbolic act, highlighted by Law School Times, underscored the collective effort behind individual success. Graduate Seo Tae-seok captured the mood perfectly, saying, "I am proud of all my classmates who endured the hardships of study, and I hope that only good things await us as we embark on this new beginning."
The ceremony was not just about looking back, but also about charting a course for the future. Kim Min-gyu, reflecting on the years spent with his cohort, remarked, "Seeing my classmates smile makes me feel that the three years were not in vain. After my judicial research training, I will strive to become a judge who delivers just rulings." His words echoed the aspirations of many in the room, who now stand at the threshold of careers that will shape not only their own lives but also the communities they serve.
Dean Hong Dae-sik delivered a keynote address that challenged the graduates to look beyond the technicalities of law. "A legal professional is not merely a technician of the law," he reminded them. "Behind every case file and legal document are someone's desperate life, grievances, and hopes. Never forget this." He continued, "Your outstanding intellect, unwavering integrity, and warm-heartedness toward others will be the foundation for upholding the rule of law." The dean’s remarks, as reported by Law School Times, resonated deeply, serving both as a call to humility and a reminder of the profound responsibilities that come with legal expertise.
The ceremony’s setting in the heart of Seoul, a city where tradition and innovation often intermingle, provided a fitting backdrop for the day’s events. As the graduates tossed their caps into the air—a universal symbol of accomplishment and new beginnings—there was a sense of both closure and possibility. For some, the next steps would involve judicial research training, while others might pursue careers in private practice, public service, or academia.
While the formalities of the day adhered to tradition, the inclusion of honorary degrees for supporters was a poignant reminder that no one succeeds alone. The Law School Times emphasized how this gesture added meaning to the graduation, recognizing that the journey through law school is as much about community as it is about individual achievement.
Photographs from the event captured moments of laughter, relief, and pride. According to Yonhap News, the graduates’ commemorative photos not only serve as mementos but also as historical records of a cohort that weathered the unique challenges of their era. The class of 2025 navigated a rapidly changing legal landscape, with evolving societal needs and technological advancements reshaping the profession’s contours. Yet, on this day, those broader trends faded into the background, replaced by the immediacy of celebration and the promise of what lies ahead.
As the ceremony drew to a close, many graduates lingered in the hallways, exchanging hugs and promises to stay in touch. There was an unspoken understanding that, while their time at Sogang University had ended, their journeys as legal professionals were just beginning. The words of their mentors and peers would serve as a compass in the years to come, guiding them through the inevitable challenges and triumphs of legal practice.
In the end, the 2025 academic year degree conferment ceremony at Sogang University Law School was more than a rite of passage. It was a celebration of perseverance, community, and the enduring ideals that define the legal profession. For the 39 new graduates, the day marked the start of a new chapter—one filled with both uncertainty and the hope that their knowledge and values will make a lasting difference in the world.