World Miss University Korea 2025, Lee Ye-rin Wins the Crown

World Miss University Korea 2025, Lee Ye-rin Wins the Crown

The 36th World Miss University Korea 2025 concluded on December 11, 2025, in a grand ceremony held at the Crystal Ballroom of Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. The event served as a prestigious platform to discover future female leaders embodying intelligence, grace, and the spirit of peace. Lee Ye-rin, contestant No. 21, won the title, earning the honor of representing South Korea on the global stage as a peace ambassador.

Lee Ye-rin Wins World Miss University Korea 2025 Title ©김현수 기자

Unlike conventional beauty pageants, this competition featured participants wearing graduation caps while expressing their visions for the future, emphasizing academic achievement and personal ambition. The unique format impressed audiences by blending beauty with education and leadership.

[코리안투데이] A Pageant That Highlights Education and Vision ©김현수 기자

Led by Seungmin Lee, Chairman of the World Organizing Committee, the event was judged by PR Ambassador Min Tae-hong, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Professor Emeritus Kim Gyu-jin, and Ecuador’s Ambassador Patricio Suárez and his wife, who is President of the Ambassadors’ Wives Association—adding global gravitas to the event.

[코리안투데이] ] Kim Young-ja’s Royal Hanbok Show Celebrates Korean Elegance ©김현수 기자

A highlight of the evening was the Kim Young-ja K – Royal Hanbok Show, a fashion presentation celebrating traditional Korean beauty. The hanbok designs, adorned with symbols like Mt. Geumgang, hibiscus, and lotus, symbolized the hope for reunification and Korean elegance. Min Ji-young, Director of the Min Ji-young Art Troupe, opened the main stage in a stunning hanbok performance, captivating the audience with graceful dance movements.

▲ [코리안투데이] Min Ji-young Art Troupe Opens with Stunning Hanbok Performance ©김현수 기자

A total of 26 models—including Yang Yong-woo (King) and Park Joo-ah (Queen)—showcased hanbok on stage, leaving the audience in awe. One attendee remarked, “I never realized how luxurious and artistic hanbok could be.”

▲ [코리안투데이] Senior Hanbok Models Commit to Service and Peace ©김현수 기자

Adding depth to the program, senior models selected during the Senior Hanbok Contest held on June 10 in Buron, Wonju, also took part. With leaders such as President Kim Hee-sook and Secretary-General Kang Kyeong-sook, the senior participants pledged to live a life of peace and service through hanbok and community outreach, reinforcing the event’s ethos of intergenerational contribution.

[코리안투데이]World Miss University: A Global Platform for Student Peace Ambassador ©김현수 기자

Musical performances elevated the atmosphere. While the final judging took place, vocalist Jeon Won-gap delivered emotional performances of “Thank You” and “This Moment,” adding warmth and sentiment to the celebration.

▲ [코리안투데이] Musical Performances Elevate the Ceremony’s Emotional Impact ©김현수 기자

Crowned winner Lee Ye-rin was praised for her blend of intellect, virtue, and vitality. She is set to represent Korea in future international competitions and will lead efforts in peace and volunteer activities globally.

World Miss University was established in 1986 to commemorate the UN’s International Year of Peace (1981). Since then, students from over 157 countries have participated in this global tradition. The event continues to be recognized not only as a beauty pageant but as a cultural and leadership platform celebrating Korean tradition and global responsibility.