Hong Seo-jin, a third-year student in the Department of Mathematics and a cadet in Kwangwoon University's Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), ranked first overall among 2,027 third-year cadets in the 2026 ROTC Summer Military Training Program held at the Army Cadet Military School in Goesan, North Chungcheong Province. In recognition of this outstanding achievement, Hong received the Army Chief of Staff Award. The accomplishment is particularly significant as Hong is the first Kwangwoon University ROTC cadet to receive this prestigious award in the 60 years since the university's ROTC unit was established in 1966.

  To commemorate and recognize Hong's achievement, Kwangwoon University President Yoon Do-young personally presented Hong with a Presidential Commendation. President Yoon praised Hong's dedication and accomplishments, emphasizing that the achievement had brought great honor to both Kwangwoon University and its ROTC unit.

  The ROTC Summer Military Training Program is an intensive four-week training course conducted during the summer vacation to develop the military expertise and leadership skills required of third- and fourth-year cadets as future small-unit commanders. Third-year ROTC cadets from 108 universities nationwide attend the Army Cadet Military School throughout August, where they complete and are evaluated on various military training subjects, including land navigation, unit-assigned weapons, and ranger training. This year's training was particularly demanding, as temperatures in the Goesan area reached as high as 38°C in August.

  In preparation for the training, Hong maintained a consistent routine of physical fitness training and self-directed study. Demonstrating exceptional physical endurance, Hong completed the 3-kilometer run, one of the Army's physical fitness assessment events, in just 12 minutes and 49 seconds, significantly surpassing the 15-minute standard for the highest performance grade for female cadets. Hong also continuously studied military science as part of the university's ROTC curriculum to strengthen military knowledge and capabilities.

  Throughout the training period, Hong distinguished herself not only through outstanding individual performance but also through exceptional leadership. She served as the female cadet representative during the first week and as the cadet battalion commander during the third and fourth weeks, leading her fellow cadets. By setting an example in carrying out assigned duties and demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility and leadership, Hong further developed the fundamental qualities and command capabilities expected of a commissioned officer.

  Kwangwoon University's ROTC unit recruits first- and second-year students twice a year, during the first and second halves of the academic year. Selected students begin their ROTC training in their third year, balancing their university studies with military education. Upon successfully completing all required training and graduating from the university, they are commissioned as second lieutenants in the Republic of Korea Army.

  Kwangwoon University's ROTC unit is currently accepting online applications for the second round of its 2026 ROTC cadet recruitment through October 13, with the aim of selecting outstanding students who demonstrate strong capabilities and leadership potential, like Hong. In addition, the ROTC unit holds weekly recruitment information and consultation sessions every Wednesday at Kwangwoon Square for students interested in applying to the program.