KAIST holds its 2026 undergraduate admission ceremony on Feb. 25 at its main campus in Daejeon.

In a welcome address, President Kwang Hyung Lee (이광형) said KAIST has grown on a spirit of challenge that does not fear failure and an inquiring mindset that does not stop asking questions. He urged students to take on challenges freely and to get back up even if they fall, and to blaze new trails that did not exist before.

He also asked students to grow into responsible scientists and engineers who contribute to humanity and society in an era led by artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

The ceremony, marking the 40th intake of freshmen, drew about 1,500 attendees including students, parents and guests to celebrate the new start. Freshman representative Junseop Shin (신준섭) said that a remark he heard from Lee three years ago at a defense industry forum - "Let's meet at KAIST" - became a clear goal.

Having pondered his role in an era when science and technology determine national competitiveness, he chose a challenging research topic: small-drone detection technology. Shin said he learned that keeping a promise does not mean never falling down, but getting back up even after a fall.

The event also introduced the KAIST AI Future Challenge under the theme of "new and innovative ideas for the future AI era". The winning team will be awarded at an Education Innovation Day event in May.

After the admission ceremony, an orientation will follow to help students take their first steps in university life. A two-night, three-day program for freshmen will also be held, featuring club performances and a fair, a campus tour and a welcome broadcast festival.