Dear Members,

  It is my great honor to serve as the 15th President of the Earthquake Engineering Society of Korea (EESK). I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our founding president, Professor Seung-Pil Jang, as well as to all past presidents and members, whose dedication and tireless efforts have enabled the Society to achieve remarkable growth and advancement over the years.

  Today, the world is undergoing rapid and unprecedented changes. From the political turbulence triggered by former U.S. President Donald Trump to the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war, global instability continues to affect all aspects of our society. In such uncertain times, prudence and resilience are more essential than ever. Earthquake engineering, by its very nature, is built upon caution, conservatism, and preparedness. Our Society has been the only professional body in Korea dedicated to earthquake disaster prevention measures and public safety. Without the contributions and achievements of EESK, the damages caused by the 2016 Gyeongju and 2017 Pohang earthquakes could have been far more devastating.

  At the time of its founding, the Society brought together experts not only in structural engineering but also in seismology, nuclear engineering, noise and vibration, and other related fields. Over time, participation from some of these disciplines has diminished. Looking ahead, one of our goals is to broaden our scope once again and welcome diverse experts back into the Society, thereby expanding our reach and impact.

  This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Kobe earthquake in Japan, a tragic event that served as an important reminder of the need for disaster preparedness and directly inspired the establishment of our Society. Next year, EESK itself will celebrate its 30th anniversary. As the Society moves from its formative years into a more mature stage, we will continue strengthening our constitution and rules of operation to ensure sustainable growth. In particular, we will strive to carry forward key initiatives launched by the 14th Executive Committee—such as achieving international indexing of our journal, expanding collaborations with overseas institutions, and advancing efforts to host the World Conference on Earthquake Engineering (WCEE).

  Finally, I wish to acknowledge and honor the contributions of our predecessors and members whose achievements have built the foundation we stand on today. Guided by our mission to create a safer society against earthquake disasters, I pledge to devote my efforts to the continued development of EESK. I humbly ask for your continued support, guidance, and active participation.

  Thank you.