Kwon Soon-ki, President of Gyeongsang National University, Holds Solo Protest Urging Passage of the 'Space Aviation Agency Special Act'

Student Council, Alumni Association, and University Labor Union
Officials Also Join Relay Solo Protests

President Kwon Soon-gi of Gyeongsang National University held a solo protest in front of the National Assembly on the 6th, urging the passage of the 'Space Aviation Agency Special Act.' This is the first solo protest by a university president calling for the passage of the Space Aviation Agency Special Act.

During the solo protest, President Kwon held a placard that read, "Please pass the Space Aviation Agency Special Act within this session."

The placard stated, "Please ensure the enactment process of the 'Space Aviation Agency Special Act' to lead the space economy and advance South Korea's aerospace development." In particular, President Kwon emphasized, "The dreams and future of the first students entering Gyeongsang National University's 'College of Aerospace' opening in March 2024 depend on this."

President Kwon Soon-ki is holding a solo protest in front of the National Assembly on the 6th, urging the passage of the Special Act for the Space Aviation Agency.

President Kwon stressed that the enactment of the Space Aviation Agency Special Act and the early establishment of the Space Aviation Agency to oversee South Korea's aerospace-related policies are indispensable factors for the country to enter the world's top seven space powers.

Regarding the reason for his solo protest, President Kwon said, "In preparation for the Yoon Seok-yeol administration's pledge to establish the 'Space Aviation Agency in Sacheon' and to cultivate aerospace professionals, Gyeongsang National University established the 'College of Aerospace' as a single college, and the first freshmen are scheduled to enroll in the 2024 academic year." He added, "Almost all university student councils in Gyeongsangnam-do are protesting to urge the establishment of the Space Aviation Agency. Since students are taking such action, I felt it was not right for the university president responsible for their education to remain silent, so I decided to hold a solo protest."

He continued, "In the last presidential election, candidate Yoon Seok-yeol promised to establish the Space Aviation Agency, and candidate Lee Jae-myung promised to establish the Aerospace Strategy Headquarters. Ultimately, both promised that a national control tower for aerospace is necessary." He said, "Gyeongsang National University was the first national university to establish a College of Aerospace as a national hub university. Now, I believe it is time for the political sphere to respond to that trust. I earnestly request that the Space Aviation Agency Special Act be passed this time to restore public trust and create a major pillar for balanced national development."

University student council executives from Gyeongsang National University also joined President Kwon's solo protest. Lee Won-jun, Director of External Cooperation, wrote on the placard, "Members of the National Assembly, please open the path for the development of South Korea's aerospace," and "Please establish the Space Aviation Agency to create a milestone for regional balanced development and youth job creation." Executives from the Gyeongsang National University Alumni Association in Seoul also participated at the protest site, urging the National Assembly to pass the Space Aviation Agency Special Act.

Additionally, university labor union executives representing Gyeongsang National University staff plan to continue relay solo protests in front of the National Assembly on the 7th.