Additional Victims Emerge in Campus Sexual Violence Cases... Ongoing Controversy

Posted a Rebuttal Notice and Faced 'Wangtta'
Harassment in Comments Causes School Life Suffering
Hongdae Art College & Seoul National University Music College Incident
Delayed Response and Trial Worsen the Damage

On the 3rd, the Seoul National University Joint Action for Resolving Power-Based Sexual Violence and Human Rights Violations (hereinafter Joint Action) held a "Press Conference Condemning the University's Response to the Official Letter Regarding Professor C of the College of Music and Urging Dismissal" at the Acropolis of Seoul National University. Photo by Joint Action

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] "Including myself, people mention real names and criticize on communities. Going to school has become uncomfortable and the stares have become frightening."

Last September, when allegations of sexual harassment against Professor A of Hongik University’s College of Fine Arts surfaced, Mr. B (28) posted a rebuttal notice opposing the victim’s claims and has been subjected to ‘comment terrorism’ ever since. He expressed regret, saying, "I am not taking anyone’s side," and "I only said that what I saw, heard, and experienced was different."

As conflicts surrounding sexual violence incidents on campus continue, additional victims are emerging. Amid ongoing controversies such as the sexual harassment allegations against Professor A at Hongik University’s College of Fine Arts and the sexual assault case involving Professor C at Seoul National University’s College of Music, some students are suffering mental and physical harm, including ‘social ostracism.’

Mr. D (27), a Chinese international student who took Professor A’s class, also participated in the rebuttal notice using his real name. He believes he was criticized because he is an international student. Mr. D said, "I heard things like ‘Isn’t more than half of the students who participated in the notice Chinese?’ or ‘It’s because they are Chinese and don’t understand the language,’ which was very difficult for me."

They express great disappointment with the school’s response after the sexual harassment allegations surfaced. The appointment of a professor to take over Professor A’s major classes has been delayed, and the sense of community has deteriorated. Mr. B said, "I am unable to properly write my thesis and may have to postpone graduation," adding, "I feel regretful because the atmosphere of congratulating each other’s exhibitions and studying together like before seems to be gone."

The case of Professor C at Seoul National University’s College of Music involves the school’s disciplinary procedures and trial delays causing difficulties for the victim. Although Professor C was indicted without detention on charges of forcible molestation in August 2020, the trial schedule has been delayed due to COVID-19 and other reasons. Kwon Sowon, representative of the ‘Seoul National University Community Action for Resolving Power-based Sexual Violence and Human Rights Violations,’ stated, "Professor C’s influence still affects the industry," and added, "(The victim) is unable to give lessons and is experiencing financial difficulties, as well as psychological distress and physical symptoms such as loose teeth and hair loss."

Seoul National University responded, saying, "There is a dispute over the facts, and the matter is being addressed through the trial," and "The disciplinary committee’s deadline has been extended to conduct a careful and strict review."

Attorney Lee Eun-ui said, "The more influential the academic field is, such as when professors have recommendation rights and connections to the industry, the harder it is to expect peace after raising issues related to sexual violence," and added, "The school must make efforts to ensure that victims who raised concerns do not face violations of their right to attend classes."