First Lady Kim Hye-kyung at Sookmyung Forum: “Your Wisdom and Solidarity Will Open the Next 120 Years of Hope"
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- Writer 커뮤니케이션팀
- 보도일자 2026-03-13
At a forum commemorating International Women’s Day hosted by Sookmyung Women’s University, First Lady Kim Hye‑kyung, spouse of President Lee Jae‑myung, delivered a message of encouragement for continued efforts toward gender equality. Kim, an alumna of the university’s piano department, also expressed her affection for her alma mater as it celebrates its 120th anniversary.
Speaking at the “2026 International Women’s Day Sookmyung Forum,” held on March 11 at Snowflake Square Hall, First Lady Kim said, “I will do my best so that the Republic of Korea can move forward as a truly substantive gender-equal society.”
In her congratulatory remarks, she emphasized that, “Continuous investment in women’s education and leadership, as well as the expansion of fair opportunities for the next generation, are more important than ever.”
She added that she hopes for “a society where differences do not become discrimination and diversity is not a reason for exclusion—where everyone can live safely and with dignity.”
First Lady Kim also noted that this year’s International Women’s Day carries special significance as the first since the launch of what she described as a “people-sovereign government.” She said she had heard that women who gathered in public squares during the winter to defend democracy received the ‘Women’s Movement Award of the Year.‘ “It was a symbolic scene showing that women’s solidarity and participation sustain society and create a better tomorrow,” she added.
An alumna from the Class of 1985 in the Dept. of Piano at Sookmyung Women’s University, First Lady Kim also expressed pride in her alma mater, which marks its 120th founding anniversary this year. “Sookmyung Women’s University carries a proud history as Korea’s first national women’s private institution, putting into practice the belief that women can change the world through education,” she said. “Sookmyung has always been both a source of pride and a warm sanctuary for me.”
She concluded with a message of encouragement, “Just as the belief 120 years ago that women must also be educated brought us to where we are today, I firmly believe that your wisdom and solidarity will open another 120 years of hope.”
Earlier, Moon Si‑yeun, president of Sookmyung Women’s University, welcomed Kim by saying: “As a proud alumna of Sookmyung, we extend our deep respect and gratitude to First Lady Kim Hye-kyung for honoring us with her presence. Her attendance brings great pride and encouragement to the Sookmyung community.”
Before the forum began, a special performance featured soprano Jang Ji‑ae, a lecturer in the university’s Dept. of Vocal Music, singing the song ‘Twenty‑Eight’, whose lyrics were written in part by President Lee Jae‑myung.
The Sookmyung International Forum was held under the theme “120 Years of Women’s Education: Global Solidarity for Equality and a Sustainable Future.” About 300 participants attended, including President Moon Si‑yeun, First Lady Kim Hye‑kyung, Cho Sun‑hye (Chair of the Sookmyung Cultural Foundation), Jung Soon‑ock (former president of the alumni association and chair of Reyon Pharm), Moon Aeri (President of the Korea Foundation for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology), and Lee Jun (Chairman of the Prince Uichin Memorial Foundation). Ambassadors to Korea from Norway, New Zealand, Philippines, Rwanda, Slovenia, and Uzbekistan, along with students and faculty members, were also present.
