On May 16, 2025, the Institute of Russian Studies (Director: Woo-Ik Choi) hosted the 15th National University (Graduate) Student Russian Debate Competition at the International Conference Hall of the Minerva Complex on the Seoul Campus.

Now in its 15th year, this competition represents one of the major achievements of the Institute’s efforts to foster the next generation of scholars. As the only nationwide competition of its kind, it provides a platform for Russian language and Russian studies students across the country to demonstrate their linguistic competence, while also promoting broader public interest in Russia and Russian language learning.

After a competitive preliminary round, eight finalists advanced to the main stage. The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Russian Ambassador to Korea Georgy Zinoviev, HUFS Seoul Campus Vice President Prof. Chun-Sik Kim, KRBC President Jong-Ho Park, and professors from Russian studies departments nationwide.

The semifinal debate was held on the topic 'The Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Arts,' addressing issues of artistic value, copyright, and AI ethics. In the final round, marking the 35th anniversary of Korea–Russia diplomatic relations, participants reflected on the trajectory of bilateral ties and discussed future areas and strategies for cooperation from the perspective of the younger generation.

Through the semifinals and finals, Jun-Hyuk Park (Gyeongsang National University) was awarded the Grand Prize. All awardees, including the Grand Prize recipient, will receive their prizes, certificates, and awards co-signed by the President of HUFS and the Russian Ambassador to Korea at a ceremony to be held at the Russian Embassy in early June.

Final Results

-Grand Prize: Jun-Hyuk Park (Gyeongsang National University)

-Gold Prize: Ji-Yoon Jung (Hankuk University of  Foreign Language)

-Silver Prize: Dong-Gyun Kim (Korea Defense Language Institute)

-Bronze Prize: Shin-Eui Lee (Sungkyunkwan University)

-Honorable Mention: Na-Kyung Kim (Dankook University), Chae-Yeon Kim (Hankuk University of  Foreign Language), Soo-Bin Jung (Dankook University), Min-Seok Choi (Yeungnam University)