DEBATE
EDITORIAL
New Beginnings, New Challenges
Kicker: EDITORIAL New Beginnings, New Challenges By Myung-Kwan Kang, Editor-in-chief Kmmg199999@naver.com As time passes, the numbers of the years change one by one. At the start of each year, it's just a number that shifts, but every time I see it, it feels unfamiliar and awkward. Could this be what a new beginning truly is? What will happen this year? It’s that time when the excitement of starting fresh and the anxiety about the future coexist. As the new year approaches, what goals have you set for yourselves? Perhaps some of you have resolved to exercise more regularly, others to quit smoking, or maybe you’ve decided to focus on studying. A new beginning seems to be similar with the changing of seasons or the year itself. There is excitement in starting something new, but also a fear of how long we can sustain it. Yet, despite this, we keep moving forward, seeking something new. “To start a new path, one must take the first step.” – Louisa May Alcott “To start something new, one must fight their own fears.” – Pablo Picasso “The greatest ocean has yet to be sailed, and the longest journey has yet to be completed. Its end is a road no one has yet traveled. Whether its end will be magnificent or humble, no one knows, but we walk down a road that has never been walked before. The fear of an untraveled path is great, but the expectation urges our steps forward. How far along are we on the path we once hoped to walk?” - Sung-wook Kwon. This is one of my favorite quotes. I hope, after reading it, all of you will continue to embrace new beginnings and the challenges that come with them.
SM NEWS
About the New Course: HUSS
Kicker: SM NEWS About the New Course: HUSS By Sol-Mi Lim, Cub-reporter imsolver4@gmail.com 그림1 the HUSS portal The 'HUSS' is a three-year project (2024–2026) designed to cultivate interdisciplinary professionals in humanities and social sciences. With an annual budget of approximately 3 billion, the initiative aims to establish a sustainable academic ecosystem that can effectively respond to evolving societal structures. The project focuses on fostering innovative education by integrating specialized curricula, enhancing educational infrastructure, and reforming academic policies. In an era of rapid societal transformation, students require more than conventional academic training; they need structured guidance to explore career trajectories that align with both their competencies and the evolving job market. HUSS was established to address this need by equipping students with the critical thinking and adaptive skills necessary for future success. It not only provides an advanced learning environment but also encourages students to contemplate their roles in shaping society. Despite its significance, many students remain unaware of HUSS, and those who have heard of it often find its course registration system unfamiliar, as it differs from standard university enrollment processes. 그림2 Educational Objectives of the University and Consortium Vision Addressing Societal Challenges Through Interdisciplinary Education 1. Social Polarization and the Erosion of Community Bonds The rise of income inequality, generational and gender conflicts, and the complexities of a multicultural society have contributed to the weakening of social cohesion. Moreover, the proliferation of online and offline conflicts has exacerbated societal divisions. Through HUSS, students will analyze the differentiated impacts of structural changes on various social groups while fostering reflective citizenship and leadership that prioritizes unity and collaboration. 2. Aging Population and Welfare System Crisis South Korea’s rapidly aging demographic presents significant economic and social challenges. By 2025, over 20% of the population will be aged 65 or older, increasing to 30% by 2036 and exceeding 40% by 2050. With the National Pension System projected to face a fiscal deficit by 2041 and depletion by 2053, there is an urgent need for experts in welfare policy, labor market dynamics, and employment restructuring. HUSS aims to develop future policymakers and analysts capable of navigating these demographic shifts. 3. Media Ethics and Public Interest in the Digital Age A 2021 survey by the National Human Rights Commission revealed that 60% of respondents had encountered hate speech online, while 90% believed it intensified societal conflicts and crime. Furthermore, 80% expressed concerns over restricted freedom of expression for marginalized groups. As new media platforms continue to redefine communication, HUSS prepares students to become ethical media professionals and critical consumers, ensuring digital platforms serve the public good rather than exacerbating division. 4. The AI Revolution and Industrial Transformation The January 2024 IMF report predicts that AI will enhance productivity in 30% of jobs while partially or fully replacing another 30% in advanced economies. Additionally, global experts forecast a surge in AI and big data-driven employment opportunities. HUSS integrates humanities and social sciences perspectives with emerging technologies, allowing students to explore career pathways in AI-related industries and contribute to forward-thinking employment policies. 5. Hyper-Personalization and the Decline of Social Well-Being According to the 2023 UN World Happiness Report, South Korea ranked 32nd among 38 OECD nations in terms of happiness, with the country also having the fourth-highest rate of social isolation. As modern society becomes increasingly individualized, HUSS promotes holistic education that fosters personal fulfillment while strengthening community engagement, enabling students to contribute to social cohesion and collective well-being. Innovative Learning Model and Flexible Course Structure HUSS introduces a highly flexible and accessible educational framework that accommodates students’ diverse learning needs. 100% Asynchronous Learning that all courses are delivered through recorded lectures, allowing students to study at their own pace. Unlike conventional university courses that rely on relative grading, HUSS implements an absolute grading scale to promote fair and individualized assessment. The initiative offers a broad spectrum of interdisciplinary courses, including: Politics Through Games (Analyzing political systems and strategies through gamification), Understanding Safety Management (Exploring risk assessment and crisis response strategies), Healing Through Travel(Examining the psychological and emotional benefits of travel). Unique Registration Process and Academic Considerations Registering for HUSS courses follows a different process from standard university course enrollment. Instead of using their institution’s regular system, students must sign up through the HUSS Portal. Access requires prior verification of their enrollment status as a registered student. Once verified, students can log in and complete their course registration within the portal. If any issues arise during verification, they can seek assistance from the HUSS administrative team. Beyond the registration process, the academic schedule of HUSS courses also presents challenges. Unlike regular university courses, HUSS exams do not align with the standard academic calendar. This can lead to scheduling conflicts for students. "It was difficult to manage my exam schedule because HUSS operates on a different timeline than my university," said Kang Myung-kwan, a Sports Management major who has taken HUSS courses. Given these differences, students enrolling in HUSS are encouraged to plan their academic schedules carefully. In today’s rapidly evolving society, universities must go beyond their traditional role as educational institutions and actively respond to social changes. HUSS exemplifies this transformation by creating an integrated ecosystem that connects universities, industries, and local communities.Through interdisciplinary education and innovative learning models, students are empowered to participate as active members of society, while universities strengthen their role as key social institutions. Moreover, HUSS plays a crucial role in bridging academia and real-world applications by addressing pressing societal challenges, such as social polarization, aging populations, digital transformation, and the AI revolution. As such, it is essential for students to be aware of these new educational approaches and select courses that align with their needs. By doing so, they can make the most of the opportunities that HUSS provides in preparing them for the future. Sources: https://www.hussnet.com/ https://portal.huss.ac.kr/ https://www.sogang.ac.kr/ko/detail/546067?namePage=AcademicNotice&text=%ED%95%99%EC%82%AC+%EC%A7%80%EC%9B%90&redirect=/ko/academic-support/notices
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