Changwon National University recently drew a clear line on the 29th, calling some media reports suggesting that discussions on integration with Gyeongsang National University had begun "groundless."
The university stated that although a meeting of the planning directors of the two universities was held on the 24th under the auspices of Gyeongnam Province, it was solely to explore cooperation plans for major Ministry of Education university financial support projects such as the "Regional Innovation-Centered University Support System (RISE)" and the Glocal University project, and was not a forum to discuss university integration.
Regarding remarks about the integration of the two universities at a recent meeting of Gyeongnam Province’s department and bureau heads, a provincial official explained that "it is a matter that cannot be forced; it is an issue for the two universities and their members to decide first, and the governor’s comments were made from the perspective of future necessity and preparation."
A university official explained, "Now is not the time to consider integration," adding, "We are focusing the university’s capabilities on attracting the Glocal University project, the largest university financial support project in history, and the successful implementation of the RISE system. To this end, we are conducting organic exchanges and cooperation with local communities including Gyeongnam Province, Changwon City, related institutions, and businesses."
They continued, "We are accelerating the establishment of the National Changwon University College of Medicine, a long-standing wish of the university and local community to guarantee the right to life and health of 3.3 million Gyeongnam residents and 1.04 million Changwon citizens," adding, "Changwon National University’s public medical school not only has justification and legitimacy but also a clear blueprint and confidence in its publicness and accountability."
"We will definitely achieve the establishment of a public medical school together with the people of Gyeongnam Province and Changwon City," they emphasized, "and we hope that Gyeongsang National University, the only university with a medical school in Gyeongnam, will provide unconditional, active, and full support and cooperation. Positive discussions can only take place after mutual trust and consensus among members are established through such prior cooperation."
Planning Director Park Young-ho said, "Now is not the time to have concrete discussions based on integration," and added, "we hope for much interest and cooperation from the local community so that Changwon National University can solve major issues for regional development."
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