"It Must Be Handled According to Principles," Emphasizes Han Dong-hoon
Han Dong-hoon Expresses Opinion for the First Time on Dongduk Women's University Protest
Criticism of 'Divide and Rule' Amid Strong Pressure Within the Party
Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, expressed his opinion regarding the protest against the transition to coeducation at Dongduk Women's University, stating, "The instigators of the violent incidents must take responsibility for the property damage and other losses." Amid this, criticism has arisen suggesting that he might be trying to overcome political risks through division, as internal pressure within the party intensifies due to controversies such as the party members' bulletin board issue.
People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon is speaking at the Party-Government Council on Livelihood Economy held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 22nd. Photo by Yonhap News
On the 23rd, Han emphasized on his social media service (SNS), "It must be handled according to principles to prevent recurrence." He pointed out that Dongduk Women's University students began collective action on the 11th to oppose discussions on transitioning to coeducation. The discussion on coeducation was temporarily suspended on the 21st following the students' protests.
Regarding the protest, he criticized, "Whether the school transitions to coeducation or not, violence cannot be tolerated under any circumstances," adding, "Destroying school facilities and turning the job fair venue into chaos, causing property damage to the school and depriving others of valuable opportunities, cannot be justified. This is common sense as members of the community." He further stated, "It is fortunate that an agreement was reached to lift the classroom blockade and resume classes from the perspective of students' right to learn and teachers' right to teach, but the occupation of the main building reportedly continues," emphasizing, "The instigators of the violent incidents must take responsibility for the property damage and other losses that have already occurred."
Criticism has also been raised against Han's opinion. Former Justice Party lawmaker Jang Hye-young criticized Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, who called for strict measures against the Dongduk Women's University protesters, saying, "If violence is truly the problem, why do you remain silent about the unauthorized intrusion into the school (Dongduk Women's University) and the threats of stabbing against protesters?" She added, "Seeing the current (People Power Party) leader Han Dong-hoon resort to attacking women to avoid the embarrassment of the family (party members) bulletin board scandal naturally makes one frown." Within the People Power Party, criticism has also emerged that while the 14th anniversary of the Yeonpyeong Island shelling and the Dongduk Women's University coeducation issue are mentioned, no explanation is given regarding the party members' bulletin board.
At Dongduk Women's University, students opposing the coeducation transition held sit-in protests and demonstrations, during which school facilities were damaged. The school estimates that the restoration costs for the facilities, including spray paint damage, could reach up to 5.4 billion won. Yonhap News Agency
Meanwhile, at Dongduk Women's University, students opposing the transition to coeducation staged sit-ins and protests, during which school facilities were damaged. The school estimates that the cost of repairing the facilities, including repainting, could reach up to 5.4 billion won.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
