Professor Ju Kyung-chul, a distinguished historian specializing in Western history and the history of civilization, has been selected to deliver the commencement address at Seoul National University’s 80th academic degree conferment ceremony on May 28th. The university anticipates that Professor Ju will offer graduates profound historical insights as they embark on their futures amidst a rapidly changing global landscape and societal divisions.
A Call to Address Global Challenges
Professor Ju’s address is expected to challenge the graduating class to confront and propose solutions for the significant global issues they will face. His academic background, which spans the rise and fall of civilizations, societal transformations, and the dynamics of conflict and compromise, positions him to provide a unique perspective on navigating an era of uncertainty.
In a previous interview, Professor Ju highlighted the economic trajectories of nations that started from similar conditions. He noted that many countries remain at a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) level of $7,000-$8,000, while South Korea has achieved a remarkable ascent to the $40,000 mark. This comparison underscores the extraordinary development South Korea has undergone and sets a context for the challenges and opportunities facing the current generation of graduates.
A representative from Seoul National University expressed confidence in Professor Ju’s ability to impart valuable historical lessons. “Professor Ju has dedicated his career to studying the ebb and flow of civilization, societal shifts, and the complex interplay of conflict and cooperation throughout history,” the representative stated. “We believe he will offer the graduates, who are stepping into a world marked by instability, deep historical reflections that resonate.”
The university typically selects commencement speakers by considering a combination of factors, including the inspirational quality of their message and its overall weight. The selection process aims to identify individuals who can offer meaningful guidance to graduates at a pivotal moment in their lives.
Professor Ju’s Academic Journey and Expertise
Professor Ju Kyung-chul’s academic path is marked by a deep engagement with history. He graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in Economics in 1983 and subsequently earned a Master’s degree in Western History from the same institution. He further pursued his studies at the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS) in France, where he obtained a Ph.D. in History.
Since 1992, Professor Ju has been a faculty member at Seoul National University. His research interests lie in modern Western history, maritime history, and world exchange history. Through his work, he has illuminated the formation of the modern world, emphasizing the crucial role of oceans and trade in shaping global interactions and historical developments.
Professor Ju has often spoken about the complex relationship between material prosperity and human happiness. He has remarked, “Achieving economic abundance has not necessarily led to universal happiness for humanity.” He plans to convey this nuanced perspective to the graduates, perhaps using a metaphor he shared previously: “For students, graduation is historically seen as leaving the ‘earthly paradise’ to enter ‘hell.'” This striking analogy suggests a view of the post-graduation world as a place of significant challenges, even as it represents a transition to a new phase of life.
A Tradition of Distinguished Commencement Speakers
Seoul National University has a tradition of inviting distinguished individuals to address its graduating classes. In February, the commencement address was delivered by Choi Soo-yeon, CEO of Naver. During her speech, she emphasized the rapid and profound changes occurring in the world, stating, “The world you will face after entering society is changing so rapidly and drastically that it is incomparable to when I graduated.” She advised the graduates that “the weapon to adapt to an era of uncertainty is unwavering sincerity.”
Previous commencement speakers have included notable figures from various fields. In the past year, Dr. Kim In-kwon, a Seoul National University Hospital physician who dedicated his life to treating leprosy patients, and Professor Ahn Na, a Gugak (traditional Korean music) scholar at the Korea National University of Arts, took the stage. Additionally, Professor Huh Joon, a recipient of the Fields Medal (often referred to as the Nobel Prize in Mathematics), from Princeton University, has also delivered a commencement address, highlighting the university’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating diverse forms of excellence.
Professor Ju’s selection as the commencement speaker for the 80th ceremony underscores the university’s focus on providing graduates with thoughtful and historically informed perspectives as they prepare to contribute to society and address the complex challenges of the 21st century.
