Seoul National University President Oh Sejeong: "These Are Turbulent Times... The Role of Intellectuals Is Crucial"

"The Poverty and Corruption of Intellect Are to Blame"
President Oh's Term Ends on January 31

Sejeong Oh, President of Seoul National University, is giving a lecture on "The Future Talent Leading Innovation" at the "2021 Asia Women Leaders Forum" hosted by Asia Economy at Lotte Hotel, Jung-gu, Seoul on the 27th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy, reporter Yoo Byungdon] Oh Sejeong, President of Seoul National University, defined the current era as a "turbulent time" brought about by the poverty and corruption of intellect, and emphasized the importance of the role of intellectuals in overcoming it.

In his New Year's address on January 2, President Oh stated, "This year will not be an easy one either, but let us move forward, trusting in the power of intellect," adding, "I feel that what people in the past called turbulent times may be just like this." He made these remarks while referencing last year's political strife between ruling and opposition parties, economic downturn, the Itaewon tragedy, and the Russia-Ukraine war.

President Oh continued, "While turbulent times in the past were mainly caused by the ambitions or excessive actions of a few in power, today, the 'poverty of intellect' and the 'corruption of intellect' are lurking in the background," and pointed out, "It has long become common for many intellectuals to make sophistic arguments that pander to those in power."

He added, "This means that if intellectuals simply fulfill their proper roles, these challenges can be overcome," and emphasized, "Now, as our society faces many difficulties, it is precisely the time for Seoul National University to prove the significance of its existence."

President Oh also mentioned the recently popular phrase, "What matters is an unbreakable spirit," and urged, "Just as we have remained unbroken by fierce waves for nearly 80 years since liberation, let us steadfastly move forward, believing in our strength and the power of intellect."

In closing, President Oh said, "Although the world changes rapidly in the very short term, Seoul National University must present a long-term perspective and a blueprint for our future and direction of development," and concluded, "As my term will soon end, I will do my utmost to ensure a smooth transition so that the new administration, which will take office in February, can begin work immediately in the best possible environment."

Meanwhile, President Oh, who has led Seoul National University for the past four years since 2019, will end his term on January 31. Yoo Honglim, professor at the College of Social Sciences, has been selected as the final candidate for the next president.

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