New Gyeongju University Appoints Lee Donghan as Acting President Amid Financial Crisis, Vows Full Efforts for University Normalization

The board of directors of Wonsuk Academy announced on December 6 that it has appointed Distinguished Professor Lee Donghan as Acting President of New Gyeongju University.

This appointment is considered a pivotal decision that could determine the fate of the university, as it faces major challenges including tens of billions of won in accumulated unpaid wages, the completion of the university merger, and resolving local conflicts surrounding the sale of land owned by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP).

Acting President Lee Donghan of Gyeongju University

The term of the Acting President has not been separately specified, and he may remain in office until the board deems it necessary.

Wonsuk Academy is a private educational foundation established by former five-term National Assemblyman Kim Ilyoon. Over the past 40 years, it has contributed to nurturing local talent by founding Seorabeol University, Gyeongju University, and Silla High School.

The newly appointed Acting President Lee Donghan has been deeply involved in university administration, serving as a professor, Executive Vice President for Planning and Management, and Acting President at Gyeongju University. In particular, he is recognized as the key figure who led the merger of Seorabeol University and Gyeongju University to launch New Gyeongju University, making him widely regarded as the most suitable person for the current situation and challenges facing the university.

He has also held prominent positions in the media sector, including Editor-in-Chief, Editorial Director, and CEO at Segye Ilbo, as well as Adjunct Professor at the Graduate School of Communication and Media at Sungkyunkwan University and Chairman of the National Support Group for the G20 Summit, building a broad perspective and network across education and society.

The responsibilities entrusted to Acting President Lee Donghan are substantial. The university is currently grappling with the urgent issue of several years of accumulated unpaid wages, which directly affects the livelihoods of its faculty and staff.

Acting President Lee has been tasked with the critical role of securing the university’s finances by mediating the complex interests among KHNP, Gyeongju City, and local residents, and resolving conflicts to lead the sale process.

He stated, “The most important goal is to ensure the stability of the university as a symbol of Gyeongju. My top priority will be to guarantee students’ right to education and focus on restoring comprehensive trust among all university members, including addressing the concerns of graduates and alumni.”

He added, “The university is currently pursuing strong measures for financial normalization, such as the sale of real estate. On a positive note, if the sale of university assets is successful, I expect that securing the down payment will be sufficient to resolve the unpaid wage issue,” expressing his determination to solve the financial problems.

The most promising solution for the university’s financial normalization is the sale of the former Gyeongju University (Hyo-hyeon-dong) site to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power.

However, this proposed sale has sparked strong opposition from residents of East Gyeongju (Munmu-daewang-myeon, Gampo-eup, Yangnam-myeon), where the KHNP headquarters is located, escalating into a regional conflict. Residents view the relocation of some KHNP headquarters departments to downtown Gyeongju as an infringement on their interests.

Gyeongju City has expressed a positive willingness to mediate, stating that resolving KHNP’s office space shortage would benefit both the university and the city’s overall development. However, due to intensifying resident opposition, no significant progress has been made.

Wonsuk Academy emphasized, “This appointment is a significant personnel decision for a new leap forward for New Gyeongju University and will serve as a signal for the university’s normalization.”