Photo Credit = X On December 3, 2024, South Korea was once again caught in the midst of a great historical upheaval. President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law under the pretext of national security, and the military seized control of major cities. Freedoms of assembly and expression were suppressed, and the daily lives of citizens were strictly monitored. Yet, even under such control, there was a generation determined not to remain silent: South Korea's MZ generation. The MZ generation found their own unique way of resisting—not through traditional means, but with lightsticks in hand, illuminating the darkness of oppression and showing their support for democracy. Lightsticks, symbols of the K-POP fandom, had long represented the unity and passion of music lovers. But that night, they took on a far greater meaning. They became a symbol of hope and support for democracy. In the streets of Seoul, citizens gathered with their lightsticks, creating a stunning display of diversity an...
The debate over transitioning Dongduk Women’s University into a co-educational institution has intensified, spreading from internal campus disputes to external gender-related conflicts. Students opposing the transition have staged a week-long protest, while external groups and online threats further exacerbate tensions.
Campus Protests and Division Among Students
Students opposing the co-ed transition have occupied the university’s main building since November 11, boycotting classes in protest. They argue that the university must maintain its identity as a women-only institution to ensure the safety and educational rights of female students.
However, the prolonged protests have sparked divisions among students. A group of students critical of the protest formed a “Victims’ Coalition,” arguing that their right to education is being violated. “Some students depend on class attendance to secure scholarships or graduate, and their rights are being stripped away,” one student commented.
Perspectives within the student body are sharply divided. Lee, a 21-year-old student in the College of Social Sciences, stated, “Women’s universities are a symbolic space where women’s educational rights are protected. This space must remain intact until gender equality is fully achieved.”
In contrast, Kim, a student in the College of Natural and Information Sciences, countered, “The claim that women’s safety can only be guaranteed in a women’s university is flawed. Ensuring the survival of our alma mater should be the priority.”
External Groups and Security Threats
Adding to the turmoil, an anti-feminist group, Shin Namseong Yeondae (New Men’s Solidarity), began staging rallies outside the university on November 16, with plans to continue for a month. The group’s leader, Bae In-gyu, referred to protesting students as “rioters” on his YouTube channel, vowing to report them to the police after identifying their personal information.
Online threats have also raised alarms. On November 12, a post threatening a knife attack at the university prompted police investigations. Meanwhile, unauthorized entries by men into the campus have heightened safety concerns. On November 14 and 16, two separate incidents involved young men trespassing, with police intervening and detaining them on charges of unlawful entry.
Financial Losses and Institutional Response
The protests have also inflicted financial damages on the university. Officials estimated the cost of damages—including vandalized property and cleanup expenses—to range between KRW 2.4 billion and 5.4 billion (approximately USD 1.8 million to 4 million).
Among these, a career fair organizer has demanded KRW 330 million (USD 250,000) in compensation, leading the university to seek damages from the student council. In response, the student council condemned the move as an act of “financial intimidation” and called for constructive dialogue.
The Dongduk Women’s University Alumni Association has also weighed in, criticizing the protest. “The buildings and campus are assets built through the collective efforts of all alumni,” stated alumni president Hong Soon-joo. “They should not be carelessly damaged or destroyed.”
Beyond Campus Walls
What began as an internal debate over the university’s future has escalated into a broader societal issue involving hate and gender conflicts. With tensions mounting, the resolution of this crisis is closely watched as it could set a precedent for other women’s universities in South Korea.
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