제 27 호 Deer For U_Gift
Kicker: SM NEWS
Deer For U_Gift
By Myung-Kwan Kang, Editor-in-chief
Sangmyung University Cheonan Campus held its annual Daedongje festival, “Deer for U_GIFT,” on September 9–10 in celebration of the university’s 60th anniversary. The festival’s name combines Sangmyung’s symbolic deer (Deer) and the phrase “For You,” signifying the idea of “connecting the past and the present, and giving students a special experience.”
This year’s festival took a nostalgic turn, reimagining the music, fashion, games, and street culture of the 1980s and 1990s with a modern twist. The campus was filled with vibrant retro-inspired decorations and the laughter of students, reflecting both the individuality and youthful spirit of Sangmyung University.
The Student Council organized a variety of events, including the Sangmyung Game, Watermelon Scrump, Physical 100, Find the Student Council, and a Lucky Draw. Around 30 booths run by student councils and clubs added to the excitement, offering plenty of things to see and enjoy. Among them, the “Maid Café” hosted by College of Convergence Technologybecame the standout attraction. Though unusual at first students in maid outfits serving guests at the booth, word spread across the festival grounds quickly, turning it into the most popular spot of the festival. What began as a quiet corner on the first morning was soon bustling with chatter and laughter, symbolizing the festival’s lively success.
A special collaboration with Photoism also captivated students. The “Photo with the President” event, giving students a rare chance to take photos with the university president, proved immensely popular—some even waited over 30 minutes in line. The university’s mascot Sumoong also appeared in a custom photo frame, which gained just as much attention as the president’s frame, creating cherished memories for students. In addition, a dedicated festival website developed by Communication Design and Software majors provided real-time updates and interactive content, earning enthusiastic feedback and showcasing new possibilities for future campus festivals.
Festival exclusive merchandise also drew attention. Limited-edition goods such as festival uniforms, slogan cheering bands, tattoo stickers, and Sumoong keyrings were offered, becoming more than just souvenirs—lasting keepsakes that will remind students of this special Daedongje for years to come.
The highlight of the festival, however, was the lineup of performances. The Sangmyung Broadcasting Station (SMBS) hosted the “Sorae Sorae Gorae Gorae Song Festival,” while student clubs including SOULO, DARKNESS, CRUNKBRAIN, beatboxer Jae-geun Kim, BLUE, ARIA, and FREEZE lit up the stage with their passionate performances. The open-air theater came alive with cheers as students sang along and applauded their peers’ talents.
Celebrity performers elevated the excitement even further. On the first day, Crush and Car the Garden drew roaring crowds, while the second day featured Sikgu, Silica Gel, and KiiKii. With both nights completely filling the outdoor theater, the atmosphere was electric students united through music, chants, and energy that embodied the true spirit of a university festival.
For many freshmen, this was their first university festival, and their reactions reflected pure delight. “I had expectations for the festival, but this was even more fun and meaningful than I imagined,” one student shared. Amid the dazzling stages and diverse programs, students set aside their studies for a moment to embrace a shared celebration of youth.
President Sung-tae Hong remarked, “I hope this Daedongje becomes a happy memory for students, who are at the heart of the university. I would also like to sincerely thank the local residents who joined us in celebrating. Sangmyung University will continue striving for mutual growth with the local community.”
The “Deer for U_GIFT” festival was more than a commemoration of Sangmyung University’s 60-year history. It was a celebration where the culture of the past met the creativity of the present, and where students’ laughter and cheers resonated across campus—leaving behind lasting memories of unity, youth, and community.
Sources:
https://www.kyosu.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=143662
https://www.nocutnews.co.kr/news/6397343?utm_source=naver&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=20250909025042
https://www.smu.ac.kr/webzine/today.do?mode=view&articleNo=759470
