Waves of Music and Memory
Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)’s signature autumn festival, ESKARA, returned on September 11th to 12th, noticeably earlier than last year’s late-September schedule. However, the earlier dates did nothing to dampen enthusiasm. The festival welcomed all members of the SKKU community, along with paying guests from outside, to revisit treasured memories and create new ones across a campus filled with vivid lights and music, which anchored the celebration. Day one featured Loveholic’s Jisun and the girl group Apink, artists whose songs have defined memories for many students and alumni alike. The crowd’s enthusiasm reached new heights when Apink member and SKKU student Kim Nam-joo took the stage, turning the evening into a genuine homecoming. In contrast, day two offered a lineup that transcended genres and generations, delivering an explosive finale. Longtime favorites — rock band Cherry Filter, hip-hop duo Dynamic Duo, and solo artist Jay Park — brought the depth of their years in Korea’s music scene to ESKARA, filling the night with songs that have become part of shared campus memories. Relatively newer artists took the stage as well, such as rising powerhouse bands Lucy and Nerd Connection, along with global trendsetting girl groups ITZY and FIFTY FIFTY, blending veteran charisma with fresh energy. The mix of nostalgic voices and chart-topping acts created a seamless bridge between past and present, keeping crowds energized from the first beat to the final encore.
Students in Harmony
This year, ESKARA was a campus-wide collaboration. Student-run booths offered hands-on experiences that highlighted SKKU’s creativity and community spirit. Among them, SKKU Learn, Interact, Network, Know (S-LINK), a student group under the Office of International Student Services, stood out for its inclusive mission. The booth featured lighthearted games and a badge-making activity that brought Korean and international students together. Reflecting on the event, Nwanua Glory Chioma (Junior, Department of Integrative Biotechnology), a member of S-LINK, commented, “International students joined in, built new memories, and bonded with Korean peers. We were reminded how easily fun and creativity can strengthen cultural understanding.” The festival stage also belonged to SKKU students themselves. SKKU’s bands, dance crews, and the celebrated Kingo Cheerleaders showcased their talents, turning the quad into a vibrant canvas of music and movement. Ryu Jin-ha (Sophomore, Department of Media and Communication), vice president of the student band Paran, reflected, “The energy from the audience was incredible — we could feel every beat together. It is a moment I will carry with me long after the festival.” Nature added its own drama on day two when rain swept across the campus. Rather than retreating, students donned raincoats and kept cheering, transforming the downpour into a scene of camaraderie. The planned student council group photo was also canceled, but members immortalized the moment with an illustration instead — a reminder that unexpected setbacks can become cherished memories. By the festival’s close, ESKARA 2025 had become a shared memory of music and unity that will echo well beyond autumn. It celebrated the power of music to connect generations, the warmth of student collaboration, and the spirit of a community that keeps dancing — even in the rain.