SNUPeople Vol.80: Convergence - 서울대사람들

Convergence

From Me to Us, From Border to Convergence

Convergence begins with attitude, rather than technology. Only when we seek ways to collaborate while maintaining our uniqueness, can new possibilities open up. We, therefore, asked some people from Seoul National University (SNU) who have created new connections across the boundaries of academia, generations, universities, and society about the values of convergence.

Interview

A Probe into Raison D'être,
An Inquiry into Conditions for Life

Jung Eui Chel, Dean of the College of Fine Arts, and
Ku Inhoe, Professor in the Department of Social Welfare

Design should be a part of every activity, and not limited to those seeking beauty or convenience.
Prior to its design, a social welfare system requires a preliminary quest for the various conditions for living.

Extending the Arena from One to Infinity

Noh Yoo-Sun, Dean of SNU College

Earlier this year, Seoul National University launched SNU College, a new undergraduate college. SNU College is a place to increase basic capabilities for all undergraduate students, upgrade extracurricular programs and global education, and increase flexibility in choosing a major. SNU has initiated a new experiment to foster ‘intellects who open the future with dare and empathy’ beyond conventional academic boundaries.

Toward the 'World' Departing from 'Knowledge'

Jooeun Ahn, Professor in the Department of Physical Education

Although advances in medicine have drastically extended the human lifespan, research on how to move and live effectively remains limited. This is because it requires a comprehensive understanding of the human body, psychology, and engineering. That is why Professor Jooeun Ahn’s journey—grounded in self-understanding and dedicated to forging new paths toward better human movement—is all the more remarkable.

Questions that Motivate Me

Yoon Seon Joo, CEO of JJAANN Company (Class of '96, Department of Communication)

In an era where we are encouraged to challenge, converge, and grow at a time when we are crushed by conditions that are consumed as the correct answer, CEO Yoon quietly raised the question “Am I happy now?” I believe her inquiry stems from the fact that we can converge and continue our own journey of evolution in our own unique way by beginning it with a familiar but heavy question.

A New Path by Studying Across Borders

Lee Jae Sung, postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Material Science and Engineering (Class of '14, College of Liberal Studies)

In a pluralistic contemporary society, interests constantly clash and conflicts arise between individuals and groups.
Mr. Lee presents convergence as the key to these conflicts. When someone states their position based on meaning or data, someone else, who thinks in a convergent manner, coordinates these opinions to reach new solutions. He was able to gain this insight by crossing the boundaries between liberal arts and sciences.