Dongduk Women's University Considering Engineering Conversion... Student Protests Intensify
Current Students' 'GwaJam Protest' Followed by Graduates' Truck Protest
Some Radical Actions... University States "Strict Responsibility"
As Dongduk Women's University is reportedly considering transitioning to a coeducational system, opposition from current students has erupted, with alumni also joining the protests. On the 14th, photos of protests by Dongduk Women's University students and alumni have been continuously shared on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter). Some students have expressed their anger by taking off their department jackets (gwajam) and laying them on the ground in a 'gwajam protest,' while others have completely boycotted classes and sprayed red paint across the campus with slogans like 'Strongly Oppose Coeducation Transition.'
Protest slogans from graduates are written on the truck parked in front of Dongduk Women's University campus. X
Graduates are also lending their support to these protests. Photos shared on X show alumni conducting a 'truck protest' by sending trucks with protest messages to the campus. The electronic billboard on the truck parked in front of Dongduk Women's University displayed phrases such as “Sisters, this is why we worked hard. Don’t be discouraged, juniors,” “Aren’t you ashamed of using force against students?” and “We, the alumni, condemn the coeducation transition without consultation.”
On the 11th, news that the university was considering transitioning to coeducation sparked immediate opposition protests. Students blocked professors attempting to visit research labs and threw flour and ketchup at the bust of former Chairman Jo Yong-gak placed in front of the main building, showing aggressive behavior. As the protests did not subside, the university announced on the 13th that “classes will be conducted via real-time video lectures or recorded lectures until normal teaching conditions are restored.” The scheduled alumni scholarship award ceremony and joint career and extracurricular fair were also canceled that day.
Students opposing the discussion to transition Dongduk Women's University to a coeducational system are blocking the door and protesting in front of the main building of Dongduk Women's University in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 12th. Photo by Yonhap News
On Dongduk Women's University's official Instagram, comments such as “The existence of women's universities in Korea is very symbolic and important,” “We will continue the footsteps that countless women have built,” “If women's universities are considered sexist, then create men's universities,” and “There is no reason for women's human rights and educational rights to be denied under the pretext of sexism” have been posted. The hashtag '#WeWillNotOpenEvenIfWeDisappear' is also spreading, mainly among women.
On the 13th, Dongduk Women's University issued a statement under President Kim Myeong-ae’s name, clarifying that “the transition to coeducation was not being pursued unilaterally.” President Kim stated, “Since it was necessary to go through a consultation process, we planned to report to and discuss with the Academic Committee on the 12th and then proceed with gathering opinions from all members. However, despite the matter not even being formally proposed, violent incidents involving students occurred starting the afternoon of the 11th, before the Academic Committee meeting.” She added, “I am deeply saddened that violent incidents are occurring at a university where dialogue and debate should be fostered as intellectuals,” and emphasized, “We will hold those responsible strictly accountable.”
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