“No to mixed education” : The slogan is posted on the board in a room at Dongdeok University. Graffiti on the walls, doors chained and barricaded, a wind of revolt is blowing through women’s universities in South Korea. Female students are protesting against the opening of enrollments to boys. Instead of lectures, students discuss feminism and debate how best to approach their administration.
At Sungshin University, not far away, students also barricaded their teachers. Cho Sohyun, a 23-year-old student, is determined to push forward the stalemate with the university. “We were not notified, the university did not communicate this change even though it is extremely important for us. Many female students enroll here because it is a women’s university. It’s not democratic, we want the administration to come and discuss it with us. »
Death threats and rape
These 14 establishments catering to 80,000 students, mostly in Seoul, are popular with many South Koreans. Beyond their prestigious education, female students say they are more confident than in coeducational universities. This is the case of Kim Nayeon, 22 years old: “In coeducational institutions, kids look at us, make comments, there is sexual violence and if we dare to complain, we are called hysterical feminists. I prefer to stay among women. » Since the blockade began, students have received numerous death and rape threats from men outraged by their movement.
In 2019, Korean authorities counted nearly 350 sexual assaults on campuses across the country. A figure that has been constantly increasing since then. For female students, the move to a coeducational university, which they say puts students in danger, would be against the values of women’s universities. “One hundred years ago, Korean women had no right to education. It was foreign missionaries who founded these universities to allow women to grow in a male-dominated society, says Kim Sohyun. Bringing them here is the opposite of our values that promote sisterhood. »
Decline in the birth rate
According to the university, this choice of mixed education is motivated by the decline in the number of new students, a consequence of the country’s very low birth rate. In 2023, South Korea would have only 0.7 children per woman. The opening to male students, the authorities indicate, aims to guarantee the survival of the institute.
This student uprising illustrates the deepening divide between men and women in South Korea. The country is a very poor student when it comes to gender equality. The country of Morning Calm, for example, has the largest wage gap between men and women in the OECD, with a differential of almost 31%. Additionally, two-thirds of South Koreans under 30 say they reject any form of feminism.
This divide is reflected on the political scene. In 2022, during the last presidential election, 59% of men in their 20s and 30s voted for the conservative and anti-feminist candidate Yoon Suk-yeol, who was elected president, compared to only 34% of women of the same age.
“Inequalities and discrimination against women are still too numerous in our society, in our businesses, in our politics, Sohyun explains. Women’s universities must remain so, to allow us to have a chance in this male world. »
How can historical struggles for women’s rights in South Korea influence current feminist movements?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Yuna Kim, Feminist Sociologist
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Kim. We’ve seen a surge of protests at women’s universities in South Korea against the move to allow male students to enroll. Can you explain the significance of this movement?
Dr. Yuna Kim: Thank you for having me. The protests are significant because they articulate the voices of female students who feel that their safety and academic environment are being compromised. Women’s universities have historically provided a space for female empowerment, free from the pressures and inequalities often present in coeducational settings.
Editor: It sounds like these institutions play a crucial role in the lives of these students. Are there specific reasons female students feel more secure studying in women-only environments?
Dr. Kim: Absolutely. Many female students report feeling more confident and capable in women’s universities. For instance, they mention a reduced risk of harassment and a supportive community that allows them to focus on their studies without the distractions that can come from coed environments. In coed settings, the presence of men can sometimes lead to unwelcome attention or even violence, which has unfortunately been corroborated by statistics showing a rise in sexual assaults on campuses.
Editor: As we noted, the protests are rooted in a desire for communication and transparency from the administration. What do students like Cho Sohyun mean when they say the university’s actions aren’t democratic?
Dr. Kim: When students say it’s not democratic, they’re highlighting the lack of consultation and discussion regarding such a profound change in their educational structure. These institutions are supposed to be safe havens for women—a place where their voices matter. The unilateral decision to coeducate, without their input, feels like a betrayal of trust and undermines the very values that have made these universities vital spaces for women’s education.
Editor: We’ve also seen reports of threats against the students involved in these protests. How do you think this impacts their movement?
Dr. Kim: The threats are deeply concerning and illustrate the hostility that feminist movements often face. Such backlash can intimidate individuals and create an atmosphere of fear. However, it can also galvanize communities and strengthen their resolve. History shows that when faced with oppression, groups often rally together, and in this case, we’re seeing a tenacity among these young women that is powerful and inspiring.
Editor: You mentioned the historical context of women’s rights in Korea. How relevant is this history to the current protests?
Dr. Kim: It’s extremely relevant. Korean women have fought hard for their rights and autonomy over the last century. The current protests are not just about education; they are a continuation of a long struggle for gender equality and protections. Women want to honor that history, and that means maintaining spaces where they can thrive without fear of violence or misogyny. There’s a strong sense of legacy here—female empowerment is being fought for in a very direct way.
Editor: As these protests unfold, what do you see as the potential outcomes? Could they lead to meaningful changes in policy or perception?
Dr. Kim: There’s always a possibility for meaningful change. The visibility of these protests is already shifting public discourse around women’s rights and education in South Korea. If the administration listens and engages with the student body, we may see reforms that ensure safety while respecting their values. This could lead to a broader reevaluation of how we structure education to accommodate the uniqueness of women’s experiences.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kim. It’s clear that the students at these universities are not only fighting for their right to a safe educational environment but are also part of a broader movement for gender equality in South Korea. We appreciate your insights into this important topic.
Dr. Yuna Kim: Thank you for shedding light on this critical issue. It’s important that we continue to support these students as they navigate this challenging situation.