KT&G (CEO Baek Bok-In) held the inauguration ceremony for the 17th batch of university student leaders, 'Sangsang Friends,' under its comprehensive university community 'Sangsang Univ,' on the 22nd at the Gyeongju Hwabaek Inernational Convention Center.

Sangsang Friends' has been a group of university student leaders operated by KT&G Sangsang Univ since 2010, directly planning and managing various programs of Sangsang Univ, including culture and volunteer work.

The inauguration ceremony for the 17th batch of 'Sangsang Friends,' involving a total of 165 selected university students and officials, included an orientation and team-building programs, along with training necessary for future activities of 'Sangsang Friends', such as video and marketing planning.

The 'Sangsang Friends 17th batch' is set to operate for about seven months from March to September in 11 areas nationwide, planning and managing various projects such as 'Local Week,' which facilitates exchange and communication among local university students, and 'Share Week,' which provides volunteer services targeting local residents.

Lee Si-hyung, the head of KT&G Univ Operations, stated, "The 17th batch of 'Sangsang Friends,' selected through the highest competition ratio of 20 to 1, is expected to plan unique programs reflecting creative ideas. Sangsang Univ will continue to support them to grow further through differentiated experiences and exchanges."

Sangsang Univ' has been a comprehensive university community operated by KT&G since 2010 to provide university students with various experiences and learning opportunities, with over 1 million participants to date. It offers venues for growth and exchange to university students nationwide through various programs such as 'Sangsang Marketing School,' 'Sangsang Blue Pavilion,' and 'Sangsang Village Festival.'

(Photo description) Group commemorative photo of the 'Sangsang Friends 17th batch' inauguration ceremony.