Sungkyunkwan University’s Business School held the 5th Geonbong–Wolha Scholarship Award Ceremony on Monday, November 17, in the Yoon Eui-Kwon Advanced Lecture Hall (Room 401) on the 4th floor of the Business Building.
At this year’s ceremony, Kim Won-gap (Business Administration ’72, Vice Chairman & CEO of Hyundai Corporation Holdings, Chairman of the Geonbong Scholarship Foundation), the donor of the Geonbong Scholarship, and Jeong Young-hwa (Business Administration ’72, Chairman of the Wolha Scholarship Foundation), the donor of the Wolha Scholarship, attended in person to encourage the scholarship recipients.
Dean Jong Eun Lee of the Business School, Vice Dean Ayoung Seo, Department Chair Areum Choi of Business Administration, Department Chair In Young Chae of Global Business Administration, Administrative Director Beomjun Kim, and Alumni Association Secretary-General Jeung Sang Lee were also present. Together, they expressed their gratitude to the donors and shared a meaningful moment supporting the growth and future success of the scholarship students.
A total of five students were selected as recipients of the 5th Geonbong–Wolha Scholarship: Kwon Hyun-jae and Kim Sun-min (both from the Global Business Administration Department), and Kim Seung-gyu, Jang Hyo-won, and Shin Somang (all from the Business Administration Department).
On this day, Dean Jong Eun Lee expressed his gratitude, stating, “The continued generosity of our alumni gives our students great courage and hope.” He further encouraged the recipients, hoping that they would carry forward the spirit of SKKU Business School and grow into leaders who illuminate the world.
It was followed by the award of scholarship certificates and appreciation of scholarship students. First, Kim Seung-gyu (management 20) said, "I deeply appreciate Kim Won-gap's donor, and I was able to focus on my studies and career preparation without any financial burden thanks to the scholarship." He said, "I will work harder to produce good results and become a warm person who can help my juniors."
Student Shin Somang (Business Administration ’20) shared her personal background, explaining that she came to Korea alone from Bolivia and continued her studies despite difficult circumstances. She expressed her gratitude, saying that the Wolha Scholarship “provided essential support for establishing a stable living foundation.” She added that the scholarship played a significant role in covering her mother’s medical treatment and the costs needed for her family to settle in Korea. Thanks to this support, she has been able to reduce her translation work and focus on her ongoing project, “XR-Based Emotional Recovery Content.” She concluded by stating that, as a scholarship recipient, she hopes to never forget the support she has received and aspires to become someone who shares positive influence through content-driven businesses that create social value.
Student Kwon Hyun-jae (Global Business Administration ’21) expressed deep gratitude, recalling the unforgettable moment he learned he had been selected for the scholarship while juggling two to three part-time jobs to support both his studies and living expenses. He noted that “this scholarship has given me the breathing room to focus on my academics and future plans,” enabling him to pursue certification studies and prepare for internships—goals he had long put on hold. He added that what makes him happiest is being able to offer some support to his mother, who is working hard in Guatemala. He pledged to follow Chairman Kim Won-gap’s example of warm generosity and to become someone who spreads positive influence to others in the future.
The donors, Kim Won-gap and Jeong Young-hwa, remarked that they feel “great fulfillment in seeing students who do not lose sight of their dreams despite difficult circumstances,” and expressed their continued commitment to supporting students’ growth.
The Geonbong Scholarship is funded by donations from alumnus Kim Won-gap and is operated as part of the Business School’s scholarship program, providing support each semester. The Wolha Scholarship, funded by alumnus Jeong Young-hwa, is offered every semester as a living-expense scholarship to assist students with essential daily needs. Both scholarships are awarded through the Office of Student Affairs to students in genuine financial need, and they carry significance beyond monetary aid—serving as a “foundation for academic continuity and personal growth.” The 5th Geonbong–Wolha Scholarship Award Ceremony was a meaningful occasion that reaffirmed the value of alumni giving and the core purpose of education. It is expected that this warm cycle of support will continue, lighting the path toward a brighter future for students.