SEOUL: The wave of pro- and anti-impeachment rallies surrounding South Korea President Yoon Suk-yeol (pic) has spread to university campuses, deepening divisions among students and raising concerns over campus security.
On Feb 21, rallies supporting and opposing Yoon’s impeachment were held simultaneously at Korea University, following earlier protests at Seoul National University and Yonsei University. The universities are considered the top 3 educational institutions in the country.
The gatherings turned volatile quickly, as they attracted not only students but also external stakeholders, including YouTubers, political organisations and members of far-right factions.
Supporters and opponents of impeachment clashed physically, with verbal attacks as well, leading to ambulances being dispatched to the scene.
According to unofficial police estimates, the pro-impeachment rally drew around 165 participants, but only about 20 were students. Over 130 were impeachment supporters from outside groups and 15 were YouTubers.
Meanwhile, the anti-impeachment rally gathered 340 people, with only 20 students among them. The remaining 320 consisted of YouTubers and supporters of Yoon. Many waved South Korean flags, a common symbol used in conservative protests.
The tense atmosphere mirrored similar violent confrontations at Seoul National University and Yonsei University in previous rallies, where verbal disputes escalated into physical altercations, prompting concerns over campus safety.
In response, Seoul National University said it was considering calling the police to break up potential future rallies if they escalate. This marks a significant shift in university policy, as Korean campuses have traditionally been treated as spaces exempt from the Assembly and Demonstration Act, which requires protest organisers to notify the police of planned assemblies at least 48 hours in advance.
“Traditionally, police have respected university autonomy and refrained from intervening in campus affairs. However, given the recent situation, we are now prepared to request police cooperation to ensure safety,” a Seoul National University official told local media.
Other universities are also deliberating their responses, as students raise concerns over the increasing presence of non-student participants on campus.
The student communities of Hanyang University, Ewha Womans University, Sogang University, Konkuk University and Hankuk University of Foreign Studies are monitoring the possibility of similar rallies breaking out on their campuses.
With the spring semester approaching, students are calling for stricter measures to prevent external interference in campus protests.
As tensions escalate, universities face a difficult balancing act between protecting freedom of expression and ensuring campus security amid rising political unrest. - The Korea Herald/ANN
