Student protests at women’s university in Seoul sparks anti-feminist backlash

Students at Dongduk Women’s University in Seoul have been occupying the main building and boycotting classes in a series of protests against the university’s potential transition to a co-educational institution. The

How it began: The university’s announcement on Nov. 4 that it was considering admitting male students sparked immediate backlash from the student body, who argue that the university is failing to consult them on a major decision that would compromise the safety and exclusivity of the women’s space. Students cite previous incidents of violence against women on campus and in Korean society as reasons for their opposition. “Although the university isn’t a perfect haven, we have felt free inside the university campus, and getting rid of a safe space where women can freely express their opinions goes against the founding purposes of the university,” said Lee Song Yi, co-chair of Dongduk’s emergency committee.
How it’s going: The university estimates the protests have caused between 2.44 billion won ($1.74 million) and 5.44 billion won ($3.9 million) in damages. The administration has expressed regret for the disruption and urged students to report any threats to their safety or right to learn. In response, the student council accused the university of intimidation tactics and demanded a complete withdrawal of the co-education proposal.
Anti-feminist backlash: Anti-feminist groups have criticized the protests, with men’s rights organization Man on Solidarity announcing it plans to hold a counter-protest in front of the university. The group’s leader, Bae In-gyu, publicly labeled the students as “rioters” and threatened legal action. A man in his 20s was arrested for trespassing on campus and scuffling with security guards, while two other men were investigated for sneaking onto the grounds. Rep. Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party also condemned the protests, comparing them to disruptive demonstrations by a disability advocacy group and claiming they are rooted in “radical feminism.”

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