Professors and students of SKKU have actively condemned the “Choi Soon-sil Gate” in numerous ways. “Choi Soon-sil Gate” is a major political incident that refers to the intervention on governmental issues by non-politician Choi Soon-sil and the privileges given to her family.
On October 27, 30 professors of SKKU announced a Declaration of the State of Affairs, with five representatives including Professor Seung Hee Park of the Department of Social Welfare. They demanded the formation of a neutral all-nation Cabinet, a cabinet that does not have any basis on particular political parties. This was the first declaration in the country to be carried out by professors. On the same day, the SKKU Student Council S-wing also gave their own Declaration of the State of Affairs, urging thorough investigation. About 300 students participated in the petitions carried out during the declaration. On Student’s Day, November 3, the College of Education’s Student Council held an assembly in front of the main gate. Various people participated in the free speech and dance performances. Unlike the Declaration of the State of Affairs, students actively talked about their emotions. Dong-Joo Kim, the president of the College of Education’s Student Council said, “the College of Education is especially sensitive to governmental policies, as we are would-be teachers.”
On November 8, diverse organizations like the College of Confucian Studies and Eastern Philosophy held a free speech and marching event. Other active events by the SKKU students are expected in the future.