@The 41st Student Club Union, Padong

From September 15 to 16, the annual Torchlight Festival was held at SeoulTech. Booths and events along Hyanghak-ro offering various experiences, food, and entertainment were enjoyed by many students.

This year, The SeoulTech also hosted a booth including games and events. To let the readers know how a newspaper is issued, an activity where readers write their own articles in English was held. Another activity allowed students to freely express their own comments on The SeoulTech using keywords they randomly picked. Snacks were also given to those who follow The SeoulTech on Instagram.

Reporter Myungjae Lee mentioned that participating was a meaningful experience for The SeoulTech, as it allowed reporters to connect with the readers face-to-face for the first time, going beyond the boundaries of print media.

The comments students left for The SeoulTech



In addition to The SeoulTech' s booth, numerous central clubs also hosted booths along Hyanghak-ro. Each club gained popularity with its own unique activities.

The SeoulTech conducted short interviews with the students who enjoyed the festival. One student said, “This is actually my first time enjoying the Torchlight Festival, and I am glad to be here. It was much better than I expected, and it was such a great experience for me. I truly appreciate this moment.” Another student added, “I was always curious about the clubs at SeoulTech, and the festival helped me become more familiar with them. I am now thinking of applying to one of the clubs. Also, the performance of Nerd Connection, the band, was so cool!”

Behind all the success of the Torchlight Festival lies the effort of the Student Club Union, which worked tirelessly to prepare for the festival. The 41st Student Club Union, called Padong, operates under the slogan “Creating Waves of Change Together.” Their main responsibilities include supporting student clubs and organizing related activities. The SeoulTech interviewed Kyeongjin Kang, the current president of the 41st Student Club Union.

Q. Could you briefly tell me about the 41st Student Club Union Padong?

A. Our 41st Club Association is called Padong, which means “waves” in English. Our group embodies the meaning of creating positive waves of change. Our slogan is “Creating Waves of Change Together,” but change is not something the Club Union alone can create. It is something we accomplish with the participation of all clubs and students.

Q. Which part of this year’s Torchlight Festival did you put the most effort into?

A. Above all, safety was our top priority. Since rain was forecast before the event, we thoroughly prepared for any unexpected weather-related events. We inspected stage facilities and electrical equipment, even preparing emergency response manuals. This ensured that we had a successful event without incidents.

Q. What was the theme of this festival? And what message or value did the Union intend to convey through it?

A. The theme of this year’s Torchlight festival was “Wish Delivery.” We planned the event with the concept that students would become “Wish Deliverers” and deliver wishes to our mascot, “Wave,” so that he could achieve his dreams.



Through this theme, we wanted to convey the message of a community whose members listen to each other’s wishes and make them come true. We wanted to demonstrate the belief that even the smallest wishes can come true with everyone’s participation and effort, and that club activities can go beyond hobbies and become a source of mutual support.

Q. As president of the 41st Student Club Union, what has been the most rewarding aspect of your role?

A. The most rewarding moments come when I encounter the sincere responses of the members of the clubs. I believe that a club is a place brimming with passion and creativity. When I support such a space and work together to create a better environment, and when the result is well-received, that moment feels truly meaningful. Thanks to that, I feel I’ve been able to retain my focus and move forward even during difficult times.



An image posted on The SeoulTech’s Instagram

Q. Do you have any final words you’d like to share with SeoulTech students?

A. I’ve noticed a decline in interest in student societies overall recently, and it’s such a bummer. For the student community to remain healthy, not only the efforts of the administration, but also the interest and participation of fellow students are essential. I believe that sometimes, only students can identify and solve problems that are often overlooked by others. We will continue to work hard to create a more active and transparent student community. I hope you all stay aware of our activities and join us. Thank you!

The activities from the booth



The 2025 Torchlight Festival provided unforgettable memories for SeoulTech students.



The SeoulTech sincerely hopes that all the students will be able to enjoy the rest of the fall semester with this memory.

Reporters

Hyeonseon Namgung

namgung0121@seoultech.ac.kr

Somin Hong

hongsomin@seoultech.ac.kr