[칼럼] My Story 7 -  ● Elected as the Founding President of Korea Cyber University (Soongsil Cyber University

(NewsKorea=Seoul) Digital News Team = My Story 7 - ● Elected as the Founding President of Korea Cyber University (Soongsil Cyber University

October 18, 2000.

The election for the founding president of Korea Cyber University (Soongsil Cyber University) was held on this day.

Perhaps due to my nervousness and anticipation, I woke up earlier than usual. I quietly approached the window and opened it. The cool dawn air carried the crisp scent of autumn, filling my senses. The aroma spread through my body, and I found myself lost in thought. The image of my mother came to mind—her face silent yet full of emotions as she sent me off at the train station, gripping my hand tightly. At the time, I was a high school dropout heading to Seoul to make a living first and study further later. Many years had passed since that day, filled with an unrelenting hustle. And now, I was running for the position of the founding president of Korea Cyber University.

When my mother heard the news, she held my hand tightly, just as she had at the train station all those years ago, without saying a word. Back then, she had endured an unbearable sense of despair. But this time was different. Even so, she said nothing, yet I could feel the depth of her emotions.

Meanwhile, the office where the election was taking place buzzed with the sound of fax machines transmitting voting documents. The voting method was fitting for the digital era—rather than tallying ballots, university presidents, who were also trustees and electors, expressed their preferences via fax. I waited anxiously for the results.

For more than a decade, I had been an unconventional presence in Korea’s traditionally conservative academic landscape as an English instructor. My expertise lay in Anglo-American law, a discipline far remote from the German-influenced legal traditions dominant in Korean academia. Compounding this, at just 40 years old, I was considered too young to lead a four-year university, where most presidents were typically in their 60s. With less than a 1% chance of being elected, I still chose to believe in that slim possibility and had the courage to run.

My competitor was a seasoned professor who had served as the provost of another university. Few expected me to surpass him. More than a desire to win, my candidacy was a test of my courage—proof that I dared to take on the challenge.

The fax machines finally fell silent, signaling the moment of decision. I let out a breath and waited. Then came the incredible news—I had done it! Defying all odds, I was elected as the first president. I thought of my mother’s weathered face at the train station and her silent support that morning. I had given her a reason to smile. I was proud and grateful to have trusted in even the smallest of possibilities and dared to dream.

Cyber universities represent the future of education. Since their establishment during Korea's modernization, traditional universities have developed quantitatively, fueled by unparalleled educational enthusiasm. However, qualitatively, they remain fraught with challenges. Despite various reforms over the past 50 years, significant issues persist.

The fact that even Seoul National University doesn’t rank within the global top 100 is a stark reminder of these shortcomings. Korean higher education now faces dual challenges: the imperative for qualitative advancement and the need to keep pace with rapid technological progress. Cyber universities epitomize the fundamental transformation required to address these challenges.

With the convergence of computers and communication tools, our world is evolving rapidly. Education, inherently conservative, often adapts slowly. Yet, when driven by the mission to prepare for the future, it can transform swiftly. Cyber universities are at the forefront of this transformation.

Their defining characteristic is the dismantling of time and space constraints—the core principles of traditional education. The concept of gathering at a fixed time and place to teach and learn no longer applies. While the term "school" still holds relevance, the roles of teacher and student, as well as teaching methods, have changed dramatically. Traditional universities are dissolving, giving way to new educational paradigms.

Fortunately, Korea's world-class penetration of telecommunication and computers positions us uniquely for the success of cyber universities. We stand as pioneers, embracing the challenges of the digital age.

As the inaugural president, my time at Korea Cyber University was brief but transformative. With no prior experience in institutional education or administration, this role was a fresh challenge and an invaluable opportunity for personal growth. It enabled me to adapt as an educational administrator and leader.

The first semester was fraught with tension. No one had ventured down this path before, and no level of preparation could fully mitigate potential risks or challenges. The indirect nature of internet-based communication left no room for even the smallest technical errors. Thus, we continuously upgraded our systems and educational methods through research and discussion.

By the end of the second semester, the university boasted higher enrollment rates than many traditional universities. This validated our efforts, marking a successful start.

My deep affection for Korea Cyber University stemmed from my belief that it could transform Korea's hierarchical educational system into a more horizontal and inclusive one. It offered practical higher education without barriers to those constrained by financial, physical, or time limitations. Furthermore, it provided lifelong learning opportunities for those striving for continuous self-improvement.

Most students were working professionals in their 30s, seeking wisdom and skills to navigate turbulent times. The curriculum—ranging from Law and Venture Management to Computer Information Technology, Digital Media Design, Practical English, and Social Welfare—was tailored to meet the demands of a rapidly changing digital society.

As we move from the industrial age into the era of the information revolution, education must evolve. It should focus not on conformity but on maximizing individual potential, enabling societal prosperity. Cyber universities, free from the constraints of time and space, are crucial in this transition.

Fueled by a sense of responsibility to nurture talents aligned with societal needs, I devoted myself to this mission. Establishing Korea Cyber University was not just a career milestone—it was my pledge to contribute to the education system's transformation, preparing our society for the future.

☆ Author:  Atty Jeong-kee Kim ☆

● Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Summa Cum Laude, State University of New York at Stony Brook
-  Doctor of Jurisprudence, Marquette University Law School
- Senior Executive Program, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
- Research Scholar in North Korean Studies, Peking University

● Experience
- Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai
- Commissioner General for the Korean Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai Expo
- CEO, Asia-Pacific Local Government Network for Economic and Social Development (CityNet)
- Secretary General, World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization(WeGO)
- Law Clerk, Milwaukee Circuit Court, USA
- Senior Attorney-at-Law, Dr & Aju LLC
- Distinguished Visiting Professor, World Economy Research Institute, Nanjing University
- Research Professor, Institute of Oriental Studies, Peking University
- Distinguished Professor, Graduate School of Political Science, Kookmin University
- Chair Professor, Graduate School of Business, Dongguk University
- First President of Soongsil Cyber University

● Publications
- Georo English Studies Series for College Students [10 volumes] (Georo Publishing)
- I Challenge the Possibility of One Percent (Chosun Ilbo)
- The Art of Negotiation (Cheongnyonneongsin Publishing)
- Korea and the World (Chekmidum Publishing)