Graduation ceremonies in S. Korea held online amid COVID-19 pandemic

코로나19로 비대면 졸업식..."너무나 아쉬워요"

It's an important time of the year for students in South Korea,... as they graduate and receive diplomas before beginning the next chapter of their lives.
However, the big day for many students was different this year,.. as most ceremonies were held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Choi Min-jung reports.
Just like on graduation days in the past, students in South Korea said goodbye to teachers and friends before stepping on to the next stage of their education.
However, this year's graduation ceremonies were different,… as many of them were held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Virtual graduations meant teachers and students had to put an end to their current educational journey by saying their farewells through live streaming sessions.
And many could not help but express disappointment over the current circumstances.
"I was very unfamiliar with it myself, and at first I felt really sad because my students graduated without us being able to meet them directly. But still, it's a pandemic…."
Students were also saddened by the unfortunate situation.
"Although I feel very disappointed about not being able to congratulate and graduate together with my friends and teachers, the 6 years' worth of memories will remain in my heart."
"I'm really sad that the graduation ceremony is being held online. It's too bad I have to go to middle school already."
Due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, schools are no longer packed with students and parents on the big day.
School grounds, auditoriums, and classrooms remain empty,… and vendors selling flowers in front of school gates are nowhere to be seen.
Many students wish for the pandemic to come to an end,…. hoping that these new virtual graduation ceremonies will not last in the future.
Choi Min-jung, Arirang News.

#COVID19 #Graduation #SouthKorea

2021-01-14, 07:00 (KST)