"Clear Reverse Discrimination" vs "We Should Accept North Korean Defectors": University Campus 'Saeteomin Admission' Controversy

Controversy Online Over Saeteomin Admission
Clear Claims of 'Reverse Discrimination'...Counterarguments for 'Accepting Defectors'

Reference photo. The photo is not related to any specific expression in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "Why should North Korean defectors be sent to good schools? Honestly, I don't understand. Kids study all night to get into those schools, so seeing someone with a low grade get in makes me angry."

This comment was posted on an online community on the 6th. The controversy arose from a KakaoTalk (KakaoTalk) chat screenshot posted on this board.

In the released KakaoTalk message screenshot, a university student A, presumed to be a freshman in a certain department at a university, tells B, presumed to be a North Korean defector university student, "If you came to OO University through the Saeteomin special admission, please keep your mouth shut and live quietly."

In response, B retorts, "Hey, some people who got injured while crossing over from the North were taken back and their whereabouts are unknown. I think you are speaking too lightly, and I don't understand why you are taking out your anger on me."

Then A replies, "I'm speaking as the head of OO University," and adds, "Understand this and be more perceptive. You must disclose that you are a defector in your department."

The authenticity of the chat screenshot is not yet confirmed, but separately, controversy over the 'Saeteomin special admission' is growing. There are criticisms that the admission system, which allows entry to university simply because one crossed over from North Korea seeking freedom, is a kind of reverse discrimination.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Saeteomin special admission is a 'special admission for defector students' established by universities to accommodate socially disadvantaged North Korean defectors.

The 'special admission for defector students,' introduced in the 1997 academic year to accommodate students from North Korea and to prevent regular quota students from being disadvantaged, allows selection of students as an exception outside the quota under the Higher Education Act. Universities can select students without being restricted by the undergraduate quota or upper limits.

However, the eligibility requirements and selection methods for the special admission for defector students vary by university. Students are selected through △ special admissions for overseas Koreans and foreigners, △ special admissions for equal opportunity selection including North Korean defector special admissions, and △ Saeteomin special admissions.

◆ "Admission to prestigious universities just because they are defectors... clear reverse discrimination"

However, netizens' opinions on the system are divided. One netizen said, "It's rude to say that openly in front of people," but also emphasized, "At the same time, the Saeteomin special admission should be abolished." They continued, "Why on earth should we help them adapt by sending them to prestigious universities? With grades around 3rd level, going to schools like Kooksoongse-dan is already a stretch; what is OO University?" expressing frustration.

Another netizen said, "The tone is harsh, but isn't it true??" and raised their voice, "Why does the Saeteomin special admission even exist?" They added, "Those who studied hard to barely get in, did they have extra time, energy, and money to study like that?" showing they could not understand the system.

Also, in April 2018, a petition titled "Request to reduce and abolish the special admission for defectors in university entrance" was posted on the Blue House's public petition board.

The petitioner criticized, "I don't understand why the government keeps accepting defectors who have nothing to do with the development of South Korea just because they are one people, and why they give them huge support and privileges," and "I don't understand why they opened exceptions outside the quota for defectors who do not meet academic standards."

Reference photo. The photo is not related to any specific expression in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

◆ "If you have complaints about the Saeteomin admission system, you should protest to the school"

On the other hand, there were reactions that could not understand A's claim. One netizen said, "If you don't like the system, you should complain to the creators, not take it out on the wrong people," and added, "It's creepy to treat people worse than you like insects. I thought people who go to good universities would be generous, but if they act like that in college, it will be something to see when they enter society."

Another netizen said, "If you are unhappy with the defector admission, why don't you try defecting yourself? Those who were born in North Korea, gave up everything, escaped, and started anew in a new land?would it be a problem if they went to SKY (a nickname for Seoul National University, Yonsei University, and Korea University) if they were born in South Korea?"

They continued, "It seems like they are just kids who speak recklessly, but if the university entrance process is unfair, then the starting line should be changed fairly by being born in North Korea and risking their lives to defect. Why don't you change what is advantageous to you?" they criticized.

◆ Some defectors want to return to North Korea

Meanwhile, a survey of defectors residing in South Korea found that 22.9% of respondents had thought about wanting to return to North Korea.

The North Korean Human Rights Database Center (NKDB) announced on January 31, 2018, the results of the 'Economic and Social Integration Survey of North Korean Defectors,' conducted with K-Social Research, a specialized defector research agency, surveying 415 defectors aged 15 and older nationwide last year.

The survey showed that 71.8% (298 people) answered "never" to the question, "Have you ever thought about wanting to return to North Korea?"

However, 14.7% (61 people) answered "occasionally," 4.8% (20 people) answered "sometimes," and 3.4% (14 people) answered "often," totaling 22.9%.

The main reasons for considering returning to North Korea (multiple responses allowed) were "missing family" (34.3%) and "missing hometown" (28.5%).

The center stated, "The fact that at least one-fifth of respondents have thought about returning to North Korea shows that a significant number of defectors still face difficulties settling in South Korea," and added, "This highlights the importance of psychological support and stable human network formation for defectors, as much as economic stability."