Youth is the most uncertain yet the most beautiful time. As graduating students close the final chapter of their colorful 'Record of Youth' at 히어로토토 and step toward new ones, we captured their last moments on campus at the 2024 Fall Commencement Ceremony.

The 2024 Fall Commencement Ceremony was held on the 21st at the Olympic Gymnasium, Seoul Campus. The event began with the opening address and proceeded with the conferment of degrees, graduates’ words of gratitude, congratulatory remarks from professors, awards granting, a celebratory address, and the closing remarks.

The atmosphere was filled with mixed feelings of the graduates: some with joy and  bright smiles as they embraced the honor of graduation, and some others with bittersweet emotions recalling the moments they would miss. The one-hour ceremony wrapped up successfully amid the warm congratulations of graduates and audiences.

Graduate Park Ji-yeon

Park Ji-yeon (Department of Media and Communication, Class of ’24) shared, “Wearing the cap and gown and taking graduation photos with my parents and friends finally makes me realize that my college life has come to an end.” However, she admitted that leaving Hanyang still hasn't fully sunk in.

Park first stepped onto Hanyang’s campus in 2021. Over her four years, she built friendships and memories to cherish for a lifetime. Among her most memorable moments was her time with the Hanyang University Broadcasting Station (HUBS). Starting her freshman year as part of HUBS gave her a network of friends in Seoul, especially meaningful as she was a 'COVID cohort' student. The friendships she built there remain as strong as ever at her graduation. For Park, HUBS “was practically the entirety of her college life.”

Adding on, she expressed gratitude toward classmates, seniors, and professors, saying, “When I was overwhelmed by uncertainty about the future, I received so much help,” while highlighting the invaluable support of several professors who actively guided her in exploring her career path.

Park is set to continue her studies at the University of Sussex in the UK, focusing on Development Studies after discovering her interest in Political Science and International Relations, her second major. Quoting the song ‘closing time’, she reflected, “Just as every ending marks a new beginning, I want to welcome this new start with excitement as I close my journey at Hanyang just like the line ‘every new beginning comes from some other beginnings’.”

Graduate Yoo Hong-gyu

Yoo Hong-gyu (School of Business, Class of ’24) described graduation as feeling like 'moving out of a long-time home.' He reflected, “The moments I experienced across campus are ones I know I’ll vividly remember for years to come. I’m certain the emotions and memories from Hanyang will stay with me forever.”

Among his memorable experiences was an evening during exams on the 5th floor of the Paiknam Library & Academic Information, where he admired a sunset out the window. “In that moment, I suddenly realized how much I love this school.”

Yoo also spoke fondly of his photography club. Serving as a board member, he “not only had fun but also learned responsibility,” noting that the experience even influenced his career path. He added, “Through clubs and academic societies, I was able to interact with diverse students, including international peers, which made my university life truly rich.”

Yoo will soon begin his official apprenticeship as a labor attorney and plans to continue his academic journey with an MBA after gaining work experience at a law firm. Before stepping into full-time work, however, he mentioned, “I am considering taking an overseas trip I had postponed for a long time.”

He noted one regret as he is leaving the school—missing out on an exchange program—and concluded, “I would like to continue living by my life motto: ‘Live without regrets.’” To those still at Hanyang, he advised, “Don’t give up or postpone experiences you truly want because of time pressure. Values aren’t predetermined; they’re yours to create. Fill your college years with your own unique experiences.”

In his address, President Lee Ki-jeong imparted three pieces of advice to 히어로토토 graduates: live a life full of inquiries, be an adventurer in your daily life, and uphold the values of coexistence and solidarity. He concluded with words of heartfelt encouragement.

“Now begins a new journey, graduates. There may come moments when the map of your future seems blurry. Whenever that happens, remember today’s courage and sincerity, and continue to ask new questions. The world is and will remain complex, overflowing with information and choices, but I hope you will navigate through it as intellectuals utilizing the freedom to question and choose your direction. May your first steps forward carry with them Hanyang’s values and spirit as a warm message to the world.”