Stony Brook University SUNY Korea

  Each semester, SUNY Korea's student club “MATE” prepares a theatrical performance for students, faculty, and staff at the Incheon Global Campus. This semester, the club hosted a two-day performance on May 28th and 29th, running from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM each night, with a total runtime of approximately two hours. Around 100 people attended each performance. As a part of the Incheon Global Campus Union of Clubs, this semester’s MATE consists of 23 members.  This semester’s production was “How Are You,” a musical theater piece featuring several musical numbers aimed at captivating the audience’s attention. The storyline revolves around a main character who regrets hearing about his past love’s news of marriage. An angel appears to offer him a chance to revisit the past and change his future. In the end, altering the past proves to be no easy task. Despite the main character’s inability to win back his love, he discovers valuable insights throughout the journey; similarly, the female protagonist also achieves a happy ending. Sooyeon Lim from FIT, the director for this semester, concluded the production with a message for the audience, emphasizing the significance of the present moment. She remarked, “The past is behind us, and the future remains unknown, making the present crucial. It is our past that shapes our present existence, supporting us to live every moment carefully, without wasting a single one.”   Written by Student Reporter, Hyeonha Hwang (hyeonha.hwang@stonybrook.edu)  

  On May 24, 2024, the SUNY Korea quad became the vibrant stage for the NDGC Spring Fashion Show, inaugurating the Spring Festival with a stunning display of student innovation and artistry. The Natural Dyeing Garden Club (NDGC), operated by FIT students, presented its annual showcase featuring garments dyed with natural pigments and minerals. This year’s theme, “Futuristic Florals,” brought a unique twist to the traditional concept of spring florals, blending natural beauty with forward-thinking design. At 5 PM, the fashion show commenced, drawing an eager crowd to witness the creative efforts of the students. Fourteen models took to the runway, each donning outfits that combined the organic charm of florals with modern, futuristic elements. The color palette was a standout feature, with vibrant tones of pinks, purples, and yellows dominating the collection. These colors, derived from natural dyes, highlighted the students' commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness in fashion. The runway was thoughtfully arranged: a chiffon fabric curtain marked the entrance for the models, while the paths were lined with delicate chiffon fabric and adorned with scattered floral arrangements, enhancing the thematic essence of the show and adding an ethereal touch as the models made their way onto the runway. As the models walked along the SUNY Korea quad paths, they paused to pose on a glass pedestal, allowing the audience to take in the intricate details and craftsmanship of each garment. The juxtaposition of natural elements with futuristic design principles was evident in the flowing dresses and structured pieces, each telling a story of creativity and innovation. The show reached its peak with a celebratory finale, where the designers joined their models on the runway. The group received enthusiastic applause from the audience, marking the end of a successful event that highlighted the talents and hard work of the FIT students. This walk-off moment symbolized the collective effort and collaborative spirit that went into creating the show. The NDGC Spring Fashion Show, with its “Futuristic Florals” theme, not only showcased the extraordinary talents of FIT students but also emphasized the importance of sustainable practices in the fashion industry. It was a fitting start to the Spring Festival, setting a high standard for the events to follow and leaving the audience in awe of the innovative fusion of nature and futuristic design.   To watch the Spring Festival video, CLICK HERE Written by Maxine Cochanco of IVY Magazine

  SUNY Korea's Undergraduate Student Council (USC) and Student Services organized the 2024 Spring Festival on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the SUNY Korea Quad. The event was open for all to attend and welcomed more than a thousand students from all IGC universities. The festival featured a variety of events such as club booths, a fashion show, student performances, lucky draws, and special guests. In addition, there were food trucks with various traditional Korean foods for students to enjoy, in addition to the festival itself. The festival’s club booths were a distinctive part of the event, involving students in a variety of activities where they collected stamps. Booths were set up by the university departments and student clubs, providing services such as photo sessions, paint-by-numbers, leadership quizzes, free coupons, perfume-making, and other engaging activities. Once participants collected stamps from different booths, they were eligible for prizes, enhancing their enjoyment.  The Spring Festival of course could not be complete without student performances, the range of which was varied, from dances to performances consisting of both Korean and classical instruments. Numerous students won cash prizes in a lucky draw that raised excitement and enriched the joyful atmosphere of the evening. The main part of the festival was a fantastic musical event, headlined by an impressive line-up of special guests including BOL4, EPEX, fromis_9, Kid Milli, and Younha. Every performer brought their unique style to the stage, and each of them captivated the audience with cheerful performances.  Special guests offered participants dynamic musical singing, vibrant and fiery songs, rap, and powerful captivating duets. The diverse performances created an amazing musical night for all attendees. Reflecting on the event, the Spring Festival was a huge success, giving attendees an unforgettable opportunity to take part in a highly anticipated night. The festival offered an enjoyable break before students' final exams, leaving them excited and thrilled about upcoming activities. The 2024 Spring Festival demonstrated the active campus life at SUNY Korea alongside creating a strong sense of community and friendship among participants. The efforts of the USC and Students Services with the sponsorship of the IGC Foundation to create such an anticipated event ensure the Spring Festival’s continued success in years ahead.   To watch the Spring Festival video, CLICK HERE   Written by Student Reporter, Amirbek Zokirov (Amibek.Zokirov@stonybrook.edu)   

      On May 25, 2024, SUNY Korea successfully held an Experience Day for prospective parents. This briefing session was an important opportunity to connect prospective parents and their children's academic futures. The event was organized as a venue where faculty and staff members participated in person to provide detailed information on the university entrance process, as well as information by departments and student support programs. The session kicked off with a welcoming speech and proceeded with department explanations, guidance on admission screening, and introduction of student support programs. In addition, it played a big role in solving the questions of prospective parents through the Q&A session. This event was attended by faculty members of each department and provided in-depth explanations for each department. In particular, the explanation of the characteristics of each department and career prospects received great attention from prospective parents. In addition, the admissions department staff provided detailed information on the admission process, documents to be submitted, and official grade information, which helped prospective parents with practical aspects when preparing for admission. The parents-to-be who attended evaluated the presentation as very informative. One participant expressed her feelings, saying, "It was good to get much more specific and practical information than I vaguely knew about SUNY Korea." Another participant said, "The preparation process for admission was very difficult, and I received a lot of help through today's presentation." SUNY Korea plans to regularly hold briefing sessions for prospective parents in the future. A staff from the admissions office said, "We know that many prospective parents have a lot of interest and concern about entering college. We will continue to provide various information to ease the anxiety of prospective parents." The Experience Day was an important opportunity to raise interest in SUNY Korea and help prospective parents prepare for college entrance in a more systematic manner. In the future, SUNY Korea plans to strengthen communication with prospective parents to provide more information and support.   Written by Student Reporter, Suhyun Kim (suhyun.kim@stonybrook.edu)

  On Thursday, May 23rd, SUNY Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FGC Partners. FGC Partners is a startup accelerating company headquartered in Incheon, led by CEO Jeonglim Lee. FGC Partners specializes in guiding and advising emerging companies. CEO Lee, also a prominent professor at Seoul Venture University where President Emeritus Choon-ho Kim serves as president, has been actively mentoring SUNY Korea students and alumni, a role suggested by Dr. Choon-ho Kim. CEO Lee, whose illustrious career includes a tenure at Shinsegye before venturing into entrepreneurship with FGC Partners, is keen on fostering talent and providing enriching opportunities for students. In light of this, this partnership aims to facilitate collaboration in several key areas: discovering industry-academic research projects, providing internship opportunities for SUNY Korea students, and allowing for on-site company visits and mentoring sessions.   

    On May 22nd, 2024, the Career Development Center (CDC) at SUNY Korea hosted a workshop on crafting effective resumes. David Choi, the Founder of DCHOI Global, delivered a lecture titled “Resume: Let's Fill in the Blanks,” aimed at helping students prepare for employment after graduation. As the final event of the semester, it attracted a large number of students eager to enhance their job application skills. The CDC, a unique department at SUNY Korea, is dedicated to supporting students' employment and career development. Many students utilize CDC services to secure internships during vacations, and the center has a strong track record of helping students find internships and jobs. This special lecture focused on writing a compelling self-introduction letter for job applications. During the session, students learned how to articulate their academic and extracurricular achievements and tailor their resumes to specific job opportunities. David Choi emphasized the importance of strategic formatting and filling in each section of the resume effectively. The goal of the lecture was to empower students to navigate the job market confidently and make a strong impression on potential employers.   Written by Student Reporter, Sean Keunho Kim (keunho.kim@stonybrook.edu)

  On May 22nd, President Arthur Lee and the Vice President of Administration and External Relations Pyungryun Yu at SUNY Korea attended the Republic of Azerbaijan's Independence Day ceremony at the Grand Hyatt in Seoul. This event commemorated independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, first declared in 1918, and saw participation from numerous representatives of embassies and organizations in Korea. The attendance of President Lee and VP Yu highlights SUNY Korea’s commitment to fostering and enhancing international relationships. The event provided a great platform for the university’s leadership to interact with global counterparts and explore potential areas for cooperation and partnership. SUNY Korea’s involvement in this event underscores its dedication to global engagement and its proactive approach in seeking new opportunities for academic and cultural collaboration. As the university continues to grow and evolve, such initiatives are meaningful in establishing SUNY Korea as a leading institution with a strong international presence.  

    On May 10th, the IGC Research Showcase was held at the Incheon Global Campus. The day was packed with students and faculty, featuring a total of 104 posters. The event was a vibrant platform for sharing research findings, where faculty and students presented their work through posters and oral presentations. The IGC Research Showcase featured categories for faculty and graduate students, undergraduate students, and creative arts and demonstrations. SUNY Korea made a significant impact at the event, contributing 25 posters: 20 from undergraduate students and 5 from faculty and graduate students. At the end of the event, the celebratory award-giving ceremony was held and this year’s first place was awarded to SUNY Korea students Eun Jae Lee, DaeRyeon Choi, Jungmin Lee, Mijin Lee, and Hyobin Shin, all from the Mechanical Engineering Department. Their research topic focused on an AI Smart Farm for Households with Growth Optimization. Their project showcased the forward-thinking and practical applications of AI in everyday life, particularly in optimizing household farming. The annual IGC Research Showcase serves as an academic forum for students and faculty to present their research topics to fellow colleagues, gain exposure for their work, and network with peers. With participation from all four universities, a diverse array of unique projects was presented throughout the day, providing attendees with ample learning opportunities.  

[SBU] L'Oréal Brandstorm 2024 Competition   [FIT] The Korea Distribution Association - College Student Idea Contest   Stony Brook University (SBU) and Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) students of SUNY Korea have once again proven their talents and capabilities on the international stage, securing top honors in two prestigious competitions.   SBU Takes First Place in L'Oréal Brandstorm 2024 Competition Incheon Global Campus students have secured first place in the highly competitive L'Oréal Brandstorm 2024 local competition. The winning team was Sunghyun Shin, majoring in Technology & Society at Stony Brook University, Nayoung Kim, majoring Molecular Life Sciences at Ghent University Global Campus, and Bae Hasung, also studying Molecular Life Sciences at Ghent University Global Campus. Sunghyun Shin, expressing her gratitude, remarked “It was a great experience collaborating with fellow colleagues from the Incheon Global Campus students. Moreoever, being able to achieve 1st place among the top-tier Korean universities was challenging yet fulfilling.”  These students will now compete in the Loreal Brandstorm International Competition that will be held in the United Kingdom this June.   FIT Students Recognized for Outstanding Achievement in The Korea Distribution Association - College Student Idea Contest Meanwhile, Fashion Institute of Technology students received the ‘Idea Award’ in The Korea Distribution Association - College Student Idea Contest. Under the guidance of Professor Hyeyeon Jeong, the FIT team showcased their expertise in the field of distribution and marketing for Lotte Home Shopping. The winning FIT’s FBM department team members include Minseo Cho, Yujin Lee, and Chaeun Moon, whose dedication and creativity stood out among competitors. Their innovative ideas and strategic insights underscore FIT's commitment to nurturing future leaders in the fashion and business industries. Minseo Cho said, "We were able to differentiate ourselves from other students from Korean universities by providing creative and yet very profound ideas by utilizing the knowledge we learned in the Fashion Business Management classes. Despite all of us being first-year students, it was a great honor and a very meaningful experience to win such a competition." These remarkable accomplishments serve as a milestone for both SBU and FIT as they pave their future careers. By excelling on the global stage, they continue to uphold academic excellence and innovation that defines these renowned institutions.      

On the 8th of May 2024, SUNY Korea held the “Understanding the Digital Evolution” career talk with Ruby Kang, digital marketer from Cartier Group Korea.  Kang explained the importance of “Digital Marketing Defined by Real Industry” via three components: unexpected brand experience, 360 marketing strategy, and content driven customer engagement. She described the pressures working in the industry to create unexpected and innovative marketing campaigns, noting that although it was stressful, she nevertheless considered it to be a valuable experience as it challenged her to think outside the box.  Kang emphasized how crucial it was to adapt to the ever-changing consumers by appealing to them in unexpected ways. For example, she described her ideas in the “TB Monogram campaign”, where she proposed introducing a Burberry character: a deer with the iconic Burberry monogram. This project was a huge success, and the Kakao emoticon sold out within an hour of its release. Additionally, she described other campaigns such as the “B SURF” game, “#USEYOURFREEDOM” digital film, and dancing “Pop” AR filter to create publicity and appeal to the youth. Additionally, she shared her experiences in content creation for “The Imagined Landscapes Jeju” pop up, noting the importance of consistent and relevant content to persuade customers to interact with brands on a deeper level, establishing consumer loyalty.  A significant project she worked on was the Cartier HJ Event in Seoul, introducing their new fine jewelry collection. This event became one of their most successful marketing strategies as they invited well-known actors, actresses, K-pop idols, and talents with big market value to a fancy gala dinner. The digital marketing team made sure to maximize the content through teaser videos, photoshoots, and interviews. Lastly, she shared three key points on how to establish one's career: know your abilities, narrow down choices, and be well prepared.  Overall, the career talk highlighted the importance of digital marketing in creating a seamless experience for the consumer both online and offline. As digitalization continues to take center stage in our ever-changing market, it is crucial for brands to consistently adapt and refine their marketing methods in order to stay relevant and appeal to the public.    Written by Jennifer Christiana of IVY Magazine      

          On April 25th, 2024, the 2024 Spring IGC Career Event: EY Consulting Cyber Security Information Session was held at SUNY Korea for students of the Incheon Global Campus. EY Group is one of the top global accounting firms, providing assurance, consulting, strategy, transactions, and tax services. As a subsidiary of EY Group, EY Consulting changed its name and position to consulting as a Korean subsidiary of EY Group, and this can be seen for the purpose of providing comprehensive solution services from the stage of strategy establishment to implementation from the client's perspective. EY Consulting Korea currently has two branches in Busan and Seoul, and more than 31 of the top 100 companies in Korea are domestic clients. EY leads the establishment of strategies for building large next-generation systems and applying cloud technologies within the financial consulting area.  At this briefing session, EY Consulting was visited by 76 students from SUNY Korea, George Mason University Korea, Ghent University Global Campus, and the University of Utah Asia Campus. The topic was related to the cybersecurity job of EY Consulting, with explanations about what kind of jobs are suitable for STEAM majors, and how many different types of jobs can be done with EY Consulting. For IGC students who were highly interested in the job market ahead of employment, the cybersecurity consulting session at EY Group, which covered various tasks and departments with guaranteed expertise, was a very beneficial consulting session. Particularly, Business Management (BM) and Technology Systems Management (TSM) major students of SBU showed keen interest in this information session, given the relevance of their majors to the cybersecurity field.      Written by Student Reporter, Sean Keunho Kim (keunho.kim@stonybrook.edu)  

    “Creativity is intelligence having fun." Boyoung Lee quoted Albert A. Einstein during her presentation at the FIT Guest Speaker Event on Wednesday, April 24th. As the Chief Brand Officer and EVP of Brand & Creative Strategy at Shinsegae, Lee was able to share her experiences and insights in the industry as she spoke on the topic of “Building a Brand Identity.”  Lee emphasized the vital role of creativity in crafting a brand identity. She underscored the importance of infusing creativity into every aspect of the process, highlighting the need for innovative thinking and original storytelling. Throughout her presentation, she delved into the creative process, emphasizing her collaborative approach with her team. She emphasized the significance of cultivating relationships and fostering teamwork to achieve success in brand building. During the Q&A session, students had the opportunity to ask questions and gain deeper insights into the industry and workplace. When asked about memorable projects, Lee emphasized the importance of relationships over individual achievements. In response to a question about the trend that is shaping the future of the fashion industry, she mentioned the integration of AI and its transformative potential. Rather than shying away from technological advancements, her team embraces innovation, seeking ways to leverage AI to enhance their creative processes. Furthermore, Lee generously shared recommendations for podcasts and books, showcasing her commitment to continuous learning and personal development. Notably, she also shared insights into her role as a mother of two, acknowledging parenthood as a transformative experience that has enriched her leadership abilities. In today's dynamic business landscape, establishing a distinctive brand identity is essential for success. Boyoung Lee's insights into the creative process and the importance of storytelling offer valuable guidance for professionals seeking to carve out their brand identity in a competitive market.  

  Dr. Pyungryun Brian Yu has been appointed as Vice President for Administration and External Relations of the State University of New York, Korea (SUNY Korea), effective April 29, 2024.  Before joining SUNY Korea, he held various government positions including but not limited to CEO of the Incheon Global Campus Foundation (IGCF), Vice Commissioner of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZA), Secretary General of the Incheon Metropolitan City Council, Director General of Incheon Metropolitan City Government.  Dr. Yu brings a strong track record of experience in administration and external relations and his extensive and in-depth background will greatly contribute to the growth of SUNY Korea, enhancing all aspects of university administration, operations, and external relations. Throughout his career, Dr. Yu has been recognized for his outstanding meritorious service and exemplary leadership. During his tenure leading IGCF, Dr. Yu earned the highest grade (S) in the CEO performance evaluation conducted among government-funded institutions by the Incheon City Government (2023). He has also been awarded with the Order of Service Merit (2006), which is given to outstanding public officials, and a Presidential Commendation for Investment Promotion (2015).  Academically, Dr. Yu has lectured in Urban Administration at Inha University, holding a Ph.D. in Urban Planning from the same institution, an MPA in Public Administration from the University of New Haven in the United States, and a B.C. in International Trades from Kyung Hee University in Korea. He passed the Public Administration Examination in 1994.   한국뉴욕주립대학교는 유병윤 행정대외협력부총장이 취임했다고 29일 밝혔다.  유병윤 신임 부총장은 1994년 행정고시에 합격 후 공직에 입문했으며 인천시 투자유치담당관, 국제협력관, 정책기획관을 역임하고 인천시의회 사무처장과 인천경제자유구역청 차장, 인천글로벌캠퍼스 운영재단 대표이사 등을 지냈다. 또한 경희대 무역학과를 졸업, 미국 뉴헤이븐대에서 행정학 석사 인하대에서 도시계획학 박사 학위를 받았으며 인천시 산하 출자•출연기관 기관장 성과평가 S등급(2023), 투자유치공로 대통령표창(2015), 근조훈장(2006) 등을 수상한바 있다.

    The Alumni Mentoring Day event, held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at SUNY Korea C103, provided current students an opportunity to gain insights from ten notable SUNY Korea graduates (SBU & FIT). These alumni are now essential members of several Korean companies, like Banzai Living, Deloitte Anjin, Hanwha Global, Hyundai Motors, LG CNS, top IT company, Samsung C&T, Samsung Electronics, Thingsflow, and Musinsa 29cm. They generously shared their career paths, valuable job search recommendations, and strategies for developing skills in the workplace. During three mentoring sessions, students and alumni interacted on a wide range of themes, from industry-specific questions to individual career goals, fostering meaningful connections and broadening their professional networks. The format of the event facilitated intimate interactions between current students and alumni, allowing for personalized mentorship experiences. Participants were treated to lunch while being introduced to the accomplished alumni, who illuminated the pathways to success within their respective industries. Every organization that was represented has distinct perspectives on the dynamics of the Korean job market and the skills necessary for thriving in diverse professional environments. Furthermore, through conversing with SUNY Korea's notable alumni, students not only gained valuable insights but also enhanced their educational knowledge and improved their opportunities for the future.  The Spring 2024 Alumni Mentoring event demonstrated SUNY Korea's commitment to supporting the comprehensive professional growth of its students. Through the building of a connection between academia and industry, the event enabled participants to envision and follow career paths that fulfill them. Students obtained invaluable advice through open discussions and personal guidance, giving them the abilities and self-confidence to navigate the complexities of the modern labor market. As the university continues to foster such meaningful engagements, it strengthens its role as a catalyst for enabling the next generation of leaders and innovators.        Written by Student Reporter, Amirbek Zokirov (amirbek.zokirov@stonybrook.edu)  

  In a celebration of the extravagance and self-expression of the 1970s and 1980s, the SUNY Korea Museum of Modern Costume unveils its latest exhibition, "Retro Party 7080." Running from April 17th, 2024, to May 31st, 2024, this exhibition invites visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant fashion culture of two iconic decades. The 1970s and 1980s are often remembered as times of boundary-pushing creativity, where fashion became a canvas for bold statements and individuality. "Retro Party 7080" captures the essence of these eras, highlighting the evolution of Korean fashion and the significant influence of designers from that time. At the heart of the exhibition lies a tribute to the transformative power of fashion. What was once considered niche or underground in the 1970s blossomed into mainstream trends, while the 1980s embraced excess and opulence like never before. From disco balls to power suits, every garment tells a story of innovation and cultural shift. The exhibition not only showcases iconic pieces from the past but also celebrates the enduring influence of 1970s and 1980s fashion on contemporary design. Through a curated selection of garments and accessories, visitors can trace the lineage of these decades, witnessing how their legacy continues to shape modern aesthetics. "We are thrilled to present 'Retro Party 7080' to our visitors," says Linda Kim, curator of the SUNY Korea Museum of Modern Costume. "This exhibition is not just a journey through fashion history; it's a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the enduring spirit of the 1970s and 1980s." As visitors step into the exhibition space, they are transported back in time, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a bygone era. From disco beats to neon lights, every element of "Retro Party 7080" is designed to evoke nostalgia and spark joy. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a dose of retro inspiration, "Retro Party 7080" promises an unforgettable journey through the golden age of fashion. Join us as we celebrate passion, nostalgia, and the timeless allure of 1970s and 1980s style.   Written by Maxine Cochanco of IVY Magazine