Due to COVID-19, 2020 was transformed into a series of unpredictable days. It started with the cancellation of the freshman orientation after we, The UOS Times, prepared several pamphlets for them. (They are still stacked on our office floor!) I have truly missed my ordinary days of meeting people, chatting comfortably, and sharing food.

However, there have also been a few positive experiences. I was able to experience lying down at home while attending classes, and thanks to the absolute grading system that was implemented last semester, my overall grades have improved! Moreover, I started learning German during my spare time.
Therefore, looking back on this year, I believe that all of the unpredictable occurrences were not only bad. As they say, sometimes we can turn a crisis into an opportunity.

To be sincere, taking over the position of Editor-in-Chief was like another crisis for me. I started this position in August, filled with overt pressure and concerns. However, I have somehow completed a semester. This job has been the most challenging one that I have taken on, but it has taught me more than I could have ever expected, thanks to the people who stood by me.

I am willing to bet that 2020 has been a harsh year for everyone at UOS, not only for me. However, despite this difficult situation, the school has made its best effort to move in the best direction. The UOS Times attempted to convey these efforts by following in their footsteps. During this semester, we continued to report about UOS’s actions. Moreover, this magazine, which summarizes the year of UOS, is a gift for all of you. We want to start by comforting your hearts with the stories of those who endured well during a difficult year, just like you. We also want to notify you about changes in the school facilities and rules, such as the newly-started competitions and programs. We also delved deeply into the current status of news subscriptions among people in their 20s and the promotion status of UOS.

The news continued off-campus as well. Our reporters have worked hard to cover stories about the delivery service and real estate issues surrounding our readership of those in their twenties. In addition, we have presented many interesting topics here, such as K-culture that has newly started to gain popularity and Korean National Foundation Day.

We spent many hours writing, photographing, editing, and sharing our reports with you, our readers, throughout the year. Thank you for engaging with us.

Well, I have another semester ahead of me, and we have a whole new year ahead of us. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we handle it as we did in the previous year, and fill it with new good memories? Thank you.

Sung Jung-min Editor-in-Chief
sjm2572@uos.ac.kr