Pioneering, the SNU Way.
I propose a new direction for SNU: 'Pioneering, the SNU Way.'
The world is once again turning to universities for intellectual guidance. Artificial intelligence, the climate crisis, U.S.-China rivalry, and social polarization are reshaping our world and forcing universities to reconsider their purpose and public role. At SNU, the urgent question is how to sustain academic excellence while fulfilling our public mission. Our people are outstanding, but the university has yet to realize the full power of their collective potential. The SNU I want to build will set the standards for a new era and turn individual excellence into greater value for society and the world.
This vision rests on three values: autonomy, connection, and aspiration. Autonomy gives every member a sense of ownership of the university. Connection brings people, disciplines, and societies together to create new possibilities. Aspiration is the determination to reach beyond what we have already achieved and set higher standards for ourselves. Together, autonomy and connection will turn that aspiration into action.
Key Achievements
"Break through what is blocked, open what is closed, create what does not exist."
It was out of sheer necessity that we accomplished what others called impossible.
Why should the university exist
An interview on why he is running and what standards the university must set. He names two things as the most urgent tasks: fixing unreasonable practices and administrative systems, and expanding university finances.
What is 333?
World-class research and teaching require world-class support. 333 is where that support begins. Average full-professor compensation of KRW 300 million (approximately USD 200,000) is the baseline for standing alongside Asia's leading universities. KRW 30 million in annual base research funding gives faculty time for long-horizon research. An annual teaching load of three courses (nine credits), with college-level autonomy, matches the standard at leading universities.
These promises began on the teaser site.
Visit the 333 teaser siteI will clear away what makes no sense.
I will grow the university's finances.
I will invest in people.
During the term, these nine pledges will guide our priorities.
Setting the standards for a new era
Redesigning autonomy and trust
Connecting with the world
3 for faculty, 3 for staff, 3 for students
Not every pledge carries the same weight
Administrative capacity is finite. We cannot push everything with equal force, so we concentrate on what matters most. Many say 333 is impossible. That is why the first half of the term concentrates the administration's capacity on delivering 333. Each pledge gets a public KPI, set the way a professional CEO would, with delivery openly reviewed.
Education and career
Education
Key Positions
External roles
Words of support
Joon-ho KANG has researched and taught sport management at SNU since 2001. Chan Ho Park and Young-Pyo Lee, who share their words below, have known him for many years through his steady work in his own field of sport management.
Professor Kang has always shown action over words, and I believe he is a great leader, one who trusts people and helps them grow. As an educator and as a mentor to society, I hope he achieves his dream. Chan Ho Park will be cheering for him.
A man whose words and actions always match, whose direction and vision are clear, and who values others' growth over his own success. I support Professor Joon-ho Kang with all my heart.
Two documents, in full
How I would carry out the presidency: the plan and the thinking are in the two documents below. They are long, but I ask you to read them once. I will gratefully receive your criticism and advice.
The document containing the funding plan and timeline for the nine pledges and the 333 promises.
A statement of views on leading Seoul National University.