[Photo] University Students Receiving Diplomas in Cars... Unique Graduation Ceremony Amid COVID-19 Spread

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Cho] As the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) prolonged, a unique scene unfolded where students wearing graduation caps and their parents attended university graduation ceremonies while seated in their cars. Diplomas were also awarded in a 'Drive-Thru' style, much like purchasing a hamburger.

KT and Hongik University announced on the 21st that they held a 'Drive-In Graduation Ceremony' to capture the feelings of students who had been waiting for their canceled graduation ceremonies due to COVID-19. The ceremony, held at the Seoul campus sports field of Hongik University in the morning, was attended by graduates and their parents seated in their vehicles. The ceremony proceeded with a congratulatory graduation stage performance created by musical actor and Performing Arts Professor Nam Kyung-joo along with current students, followed by a Drive-Thru diploma awarding ceremony, and then the graduates' graduation cap ceremony.

KT and Hongik University prepared a unique graduation ceremony considering 'social distancing' for students who had been eagerly awaiting their graduation before stepping into society, as the graduation ceremonies in the first half of the year were canceled one after another due to the prolonged COVID-19 situation, and the status of the second half ceremonies became uncertain.

The entire graduation ceremony was broadcast live through the official YouTube channels of Hongik University and KT. Graduates, parents, friends, and acquaintances who could not attend in person were all able to participate in the ceremony online. Additionally, a large electronic display installed at the front of the venue showed images of students and parents attending the ceremony from their respective locations on the screen.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.