Dongduk Women's University Student Council Statement
"Completely Opposed to Coeducation Transition Threatening Women"
Some Women's Universities Discuss Transition to Coeducation Due to Declining Student Population

The Student Council "Naran" of Dongduk Women's University expressed opposition to the transition to a coeducational system. Official Instagram of Dongduk Women's University

The Student Council of Dongduk Women's University criticized and expressed opposition to the discussion about transitioning to a coeducational system.

On the 7th, the 57th Student Council 'Naran' stated through their official social media (SNS) account, "Recently, various opinions have been spreading on the internet community Everytime regarding the 'transition of Dongduk Women's University to coeducation,' and we have confirmed the concerns raised by students through the Student Council's online communication channels." They added, "We believed it was necessary to verify the facts more accurately regarding this matter, and from around 2 p.m. today, after recognizing the controversy, we requested fact-checking from the university administration."

They continued, "What the Student Council has identified through investigation so far is as follows: It is true that this matter is being discussed, but it has not been officially placed on the meeting agenda. It has been confirmed that the university administration plans to conduct the first comprehensive discussion on the transition of Dongduk Women's University to coeducation," explaining. They further stated, "Despite the discussion of this agenda, the university administration has not made a single mention to the Student Council, the student representatives, until now." They expressed outrage, saying, "The university administration's behavior of only speaking up when the Student Council raises the suspicion is an act of disregarding the 8,000 Dongduk students. The university administration is creating discord and remaining silent without an official stance, disregarding the anxiety students may feel when such suspicions arise." They urged, "The university administration must officially meet with the Student Council as soon as possible and express their position on the current situation."

Additionally, they emphasized, "Dongduk Women's University is composed of the 'women' of Dongduk 'Women's' University," and "The Student Council Naran is completely opposed to the transition to coeducation, which threatens the women who are the foundation of Dongduk Women's University." Finally, they added, "We will promptly inform students about communication with the university administration and response plans, and we promise to act together with the students. Until then, we ask for your trust and patience."

Meanwhile, in 1996, Sangmyung Women's University changed to Sangmyung University through a transition to coeducation, and Seongsim Women's University merged with Catholic University, while Hyosung Women's University merged with Daegu Catholic University. According to the Ministry of Education, there are currently seven four-year women's universities nationwide, including Dongduk Women's University. Some of these women's universities have also discussed transitioning to coeducation due to declining school-age populations and financial difficulties.