On December 30, our institute (Director: Prof. Choi Woo-ik) held its annual winter workshop and year-end gathering.

During the workshop, Director Choi and the institute’s researchers reviewed the achievements of the HK+ project and outlined future plans for the institute. Key agenda items included a “Briefing on Annual Activities and Achievements,” “Coordination of Roles and Responsibilities among Team Members,” and “Detailed Planning for Follow-up HK+ Projects.”

Director Choi remarked that “through strong teamwork and sustained academic engagement, the institute has made significant contributions to Russian studies, enhanced its standing, and strengthened its presence through active external engagement.” He further encouraged all members to continue these efforts to ensure the institute’s continued growth and advancement. He also emphasized that ongoing encouragement and support from former directors, as well as close collaboration with faculty members of the department, are essential for the institute’s sustainable development.

This year’s workshop was particularly meaningful as it brought together several distinguished emeritus professors who previously served as directors of the institute, including Professors Kang Heung-ju, Ki Yeon-su, Kim Hyun-taek, Hong Wan-seok, and Kang Deok-su. The event was further enriched by the presence of Professors Je Seong-hoon and Kim Soo-hwan from the Department of Russian at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, along with Prof. Bang Gyo-young from the Graduate School of Interpretation and Translation, who joined and contributed to the occasion.