The 2025 UNIST Spring Festival, titled “UNIVERSE,” concluded successfully after a two-day celebration held from May 30 to May 31, 2025. The event drew enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, staff, and the local community, creating a vibrant and memorable atmosphere across campus.
The theme of this year’s festival, “Capturing Our Moment as We Step into the World,” was selected through a student-led contest, reflecting the university’s commitment to student engagement and creativity.
During the festival, the campus was alive with the energy of early summer, with activities and performances transforming various campus venues—including the plaza in front of the Main Administration and the Business Administration Buildings, as well as the lawn in front of the Engineering Buildings—into lively celebration spaces. The event drew large crowds, including faculty and staff families, contributing to an atmosphere of shared joy and community.
A highlight was the “ME:LODY Contest,” held on the lawn in front of the Engineering Buildings as evening approached. As the sunset cast a warm glow and delicate lighting transformed the scene into a work of art, student performers captivated audiences with singing, dancing, and band performances, creating a romantic and inspiring stage.
Vice President Sung Chul Bae of Academic Affairs, who visited the festival amidst his busy schedule, encouraged students to relax and enjoy the event as an opportunity to relieve academic stress and create lasting memories, receiving enthusiastic cheers from attendees.
At the student booth zone on the Business Administration Building lawn, a variety of experiential and culture programs were offered. Notably, for the first time, local government booths from Ulsan Youth Center and Ulju Mental Health Welfare Center participated, strengthening collaboration with the local community. Additionally, the UNIST Human Rights Center hosted the “Create Your Own Respect Aquarium” booth, engaging many students and fostering reflection on shared values.
On the night of May 31, the university plaza stage became a shining “Verse” of celebration. The evening commenced with performances by the winning team from a university-wide competition, followed by dynamic performances from UNIST student clubs. Students showcased their talents developed throughout the semester, fully enjoying their time on stage.
This year’s festival attracted unprecedented attendance, with large audiences filling the front of the stage, and the performance of guest singers, Heize and Raewon, reaching a peak of excitement. Attendees sang along, cheered loudly, and brought the festival’s final night to a spectacular close.
YeLim Kim, Chair of the Festival Planning Committee, expressed pride in the high level of student participation, stating, “More students than ever before took part, making this event especially meaningful.” UNIST Student Council President SeongGeun Ahn also thanked the university leadership and staff for supporting the event, saying, “We are grateful for the opportunity to come together and celebrate after a long hiatus since the pandemic.”
President Chong Rae Park praised the event, noting, “The diverse talents and spirit of challenge demonstrated by our students were truly inspiring.” He added, “I hope this experience will serve as a foundation for students to grow into future leaders capable of shaping society.”
Looking ahead, the student team plans to expand programs that foster engagement among both campus and external communities, continuing to cultivate a lively and warm university environment.
