SXSK Vol. 1 — February 16, 2026

Editor’s Note

Happy Lunar New Year. We've shaped this inaugural issue of SXSK around strong starts and new hopes. You'll find updates on UTAKA(The University of Texas at Austin Korea Alumni Association)’s New Year activities—from the executive team’s first meeting of the year, to our fundraising and volunteering event, to the year's first First Thursday social, to the upcoming expansion of the Alumni Cup. We've also curated the latest news about UT alumni in Korea, along with updates from UT and across the State of Texas, which may be especially relevant to our community here. Also, this issue features our first UT Member Interview, which marks the beginning of SXSK as a space to bring our community closer together. Lastly, in the spirit of the Lunar New Year, we couldn't resist sharing some holiday foods en vogue.
—Ji Hyun Ahn / Editor-in-Chief / GER '21

Publisher's Letter

John Kim (PGE ’05), Publisher of SXSK and President of UTAKA, shares his vision for SXSK and what we hope to build together through this platform. He also extends his New Year’s greetings and celebrates the launch of SXSK with our alumni community.
→ Read the full letter here.

UTAKA News

🗞️Sign Up for Texas Global Alumni Summit
Texas Global Alumni Summit: Innovation Across Borders will be held April 16–17 at The Westin Josun Seoul, marking the university’s first global alumni gathering — and it begins right here in Korea. The summit opens with a reception and dinner on Thursday, followed by a full day of talks and performances on Friday covering AI, digital health, semiconductors, and K-culture. Registration fees vary by graduation year and registration timing, with full details available on the official summit website.
→ Read more

🗞️UTAKA Executive Team's New Year Gathering
The UTAKA Executive Team began the year by reflecting on 2025 highlights, before mapping out priorities for 2026. Discussions focused on supporting the upcoming Texas Global Alumni Summit, strengthening alumni engagement, and reviewing membership dues and budget plans. The team also considered expanding the group and adjusting roles for the year ahead.
→ Read more

🗞️Briquette-Sharing Volunteer Event
On the morning of January 17, UT alumni and friends came together near Bulamsan in Seoul for a community briquette donation event. The team delivered 1,000 briquettes to five households and tidied up once deliveries were complete. A total of 4,000,000 KRW, collected through alumni generosity, was handed over to assist the families before the work began. Appreciation certificates were also presented to those who made contributions.
→ Read more

🗞️First Thursday Event of Feb 2026
UTAKA's first “First Thursday” meetup for the 2026 was hosted on February 5, by Soojin Park (GOV ’21) and John Kim (PGE ’05). The evening featured a “minority vote balance game” centered on shared memories of UT, Texas, and Austin life. The activity prompted personal anecdotes and thoughtful conversations among attendees. The event was held in a calm and cozy setting.
→ Read more

🗞️Alumni Cup Expands
The Alumni Cup is expanding this year, with four confirmed participants: UT, Michigan, Wisconsin, and UC Berkeley. The official Alumni Cup website has been also launched. Registration opens in March 2026. The 2026 Golf Tournament is set for October 10, while events will continue in golf and a 10K run. UT holds the distinction of inaugural champion, with its name engraved in the trophy designed by artist Sohyun Yun.
→ Read more

Alumni News

🗞️Dr. Hanna Lee (OPR '18) Held a Recital
On February 3, Dr. Hanna Lee (OPR ’18) held a solo recital at Kumho Art Hall Yonsei. A 2018 D.M.A. graduate in Opera from UT, Soprano Lee delivered a compelling performance that combined refined technique with emotional depth. The program ranged from traditional classical repertoire to crossover art songs.
→ Read more

UT Member Interview

🗞️Ji Hyun Ahn (GER '21) Part 1 of 2
The UT community interview series begins with a self-interview by Editor-in-Chief Ji Hyun Ahn (GER ’21). This article contains Part I of Jin's interview, focused on personal insights. Part II highlights each interviewee's professional expertise.
→ Read more

UT Stories

🗞️Decision to Restructure Departments Within College of Liberal Arts
Several departments within COLA are consolidated into two new departments: the Department of Social and Cultural Analysis and the Department of European and Eurasian Studies. UT is also considering broader restructuring, including a proposed School of Computing, while potentially turning iSchool into a Department of Information. The university says the changes aim to place programs within wider interdisciplinary frameworks, though some critics point to political pressures.
→ Read more

Texas News

🗞️AUS - ICN Direct Flight Potentially Added
Korean Air and Delta Air Lines are reportedly in talks about introducing a direct flight between Austin and Incheon. A direct route would potentially strengthen business and investment ties between Korea and the Austin area. The proposal is viewed in light of Samsung Electronics’ new semiconductor plant in Taylor, Texas, set to begin operations later this year.
→ Read more

🗞️Access to SHEIN, Temu, and Other China-Associated Platforms To Be Restricted on Texas State Networks, Including UT Wi-Fi
Texas has prohibited access to several China-linked platforms—including SHEIN, Temu, and Alibaba—on state-run networks and devices due to cybersecurity concerns. The ban extends to public university Wi-Fi such as the one at UT.
→ Read more

🗞️KPop Demon Hunters Star Arden Cho Hailing from San Antonio & Plano
Arden Cho, the voice actor for Rumi in a Golden Globes winner, KPop Demon Hunters was raised in San Antonio and Plano. Growing up in 1990s Texas, she often felt out of place as the only Asian student and continued grappling with questions about her identity as an actor.
→ Read more

Lifestyle

🗞️What's in My Makeup Bag #1: Clear Summer Cool
In the first installment of our “What’s in My Makeup Bag” series, we feature Ji Hyun Ahn (GER ’21)’s current go-to products. Her lineup covers base, eyes, blush, highlighter, and lips. These picks may especially suit those with cool skin undertones around shade K-17 or NW10.
→ Read more

🗞️Dubai Chewy Cookies Make Their Way into Lunar New Year Gift Sets
Dubai Chewy Cookies, a.k.a “Dujjonku,” have become a popular addition to premium Lunar New Year gift sets, appearing in department stores and even traditional markets. Some shoppers are purchasing them as special holiday gifts for grandchildren. However, doctors warn that the high sugar and fat content may sharply raise blood sugar levels and strain the pancreas and heart.
→ Read more

🗞️Lunar New Year Dish: Flour-Free Vegetable Pancake
If you’re hoping for a simple yet flavorful holiday dish, a flourless zucchini vegetable pancake could be a great option. It requires just one pan and a few common ingredients you likely already have at home. With minimal tools and cleanup, you’ll have more time to enjoy the holiday.
→ Read more

📢 We'd love to hear from you.
Please send your submittals to editorinchief@sxsk.news

-For our [Alumni News] section, please e-mail us recent alumni updates you would like to share.

-To be featured in the [UT Member Interview] section, please e-mail us your responses to the questions from here and a photo of yourself.

-Under our [Lifestyle] section, we’re welcoming contributions on the topics below or any other theme you’d like:

💄 What’s in My Makeup Bag 👝
🪞 Skincare Routine 🫙
🥝 Your Signature Recipe 🍎
🍴Your Go-to Restaurant🥢
🏌🏻 Living an Active Life 👟
🧳 Travel Experiences 📷
📖 Book Reviews & Recommendations 🔖
⌚ Watches & Jewelry Reviews 💎
🚗 All Things Cars 🚜
📱 Techs & Software Reviews 💻
🧠 AI & Technology 🤖
💵 Investing & Personal Finances🪙

We look forward to featuring our community’s voices.