Around 4 a.m., the lights at Daegu Airport were soft and chilly, with the air carrying a unique morning stillness. After dragging my luggage and completing the check-in procedures, I sat in a chair in the waiting area, staring at the still-closed departure inspection gate. Time seemed to slow down in this moment. The terminal was sparsely populated, with only a few travelers and cleaning staff occasionally passing by. Perhaps because it was too early, the gate remained shut, and I could only sit quietly and wait.
My tired body reminded me how full the past few days had been. Reflecting on this trip to Daegu, the rewards far exceeded expectations. I had the opportunity to participate in an international conference, serve as a plenary session chair, and also share my views as a speaker in another plenary. These experiences left me fulfilled and satisfied. During the closing ceremony, I once again took the stage to host the proceedings and witnessed the signing of several important MoUs, laying the foundation for future collaborations.
These work accomplishments were undoubtedly valuable, but what truly made this trip unforgettable was the reunion with old friends—especially witnessing a significant leadership transition in the Eurasia Forum.
Both the outgoing and incoming presidents are longtime friends of mine. One is humble and steadfast, who has stood beside me through countless international events and reforms; the other is passionate and decisive, having already demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities. At the moment of the handover ceremony, I stood on stage watching one step down and the other step up, and a flood of indescribable emotions surged in my heart. It was a complex feeling—both joyful and anxious. I felt reluctant to see one leave, yet reassured to see the other take the reins.
As a mutual friend of both, I perhaps understood the weight of this transition better than anyone. We had fought alongside one another in many contexts, encouraging each other through difficult times. Now, one lets go while the other steps forward. I saw the determination and complexity in their eyes, the intertwining of past efforts and future responsibilities at that very moment. I smiled and applauded for them, silently sending them my blessings—may they both shine in their respective roles and continue to support each other.
Every reunion with old friends feels like a journey through time, filled with small surprises and joy. During the breaks at the conference, we caught up on each other’s lives, shared old anecdotes, and talked about future plans. The familiar laughter and tones seemed to erase all sense of time and distance, bringing warmth and reassurance. Yet happy moments are always brief, and farewells arrive quietly. As we waved goodbye at the venue, behind our smiles was a touch of sadness—like morning mist lingering in the heart.
Sitting in the departure lounge, I gazed at the gradually brightening sky outside, and my thoughts drifted far. The rising light over the mountains felt like a symbol and a blessing—an expression of gratitude for the outgoing president, and illumination for the path ahead of the new one. This journey wasn’t just a professional milestone but also a soulful one. The companionship of friends, the exchange of ideas, and the scenery of Daegu intertwined into a rich tapestry, leaving me deeply content despite the fatigue.
The departure gate finally opened. I stood up, pulled my luggage, and walked toward the gate. The journey home was about to begin, but I knew that the memories of this trip to Daegu would remain etched in my heart. Especially that moment of leadership transition—it would shine in my memory like the quiet light of dawn.