This year marks the 70th anniversary of Chungnam National University's foundation. As the editor-in-chief, I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to our honored university. As we commemorate the foundation, I sincerely hope that CNU students will be prouder and insist on what they believe and that the leaders will become better listeners.

 The Chungdae Post's main focus in this edition is leadership. Since serious conflicts are raging around the world, the ability of leaders has become increasingly important. My understanding of leadership is that it involves guiding people toward the best possible outcome in a way that is acceptable to most. How do you get people to follow a leader? You must listen to them and understand what they are pursuing.

 The people around Russia's president, Vladimir Putin, is one example of those being unable to provide their leaders with alternative viewpoints to widen their perspectives. Our cover story is on Russia’s leader and the dire consequences of the war caused by his unilateral decisions. While Putin seeks totalitarianism, it is highly doubtful that he is surrounded by people offering him genuine advice.

 Topics covered in the society section include the debates over the relocation of the presidential office and the scrapping of the Korean age system, two plans President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol promises to implement. In the culture section, we investigate the impact of K-culture. The power of a culture is determined when the people affected become the majority. Such people can then effectively influence change. We discuss the role of citizens in those articles.

 Leaders should be fully aware that their judgments can lead to far-reaching consequences. Philosopher Laozi once said, “A leader is best when people barely know he exists.” I hope that leaders everywhere focus their attention on righteous goals rather than accomplishments that they can flaunt.

 Along with this, intellectuals must stand up for what they believe. If a situation deteriorates, catastrophes always seem to affect ordinary people, not those in charge. It is our responsibility to thoroughly evaluate leaders’ decisions and to argue for a better outcome at all times.