Why is a South Korean women’s university planning to admit male students?

Protests erupted on November 11 at Dongduk Women’s University in Seoul over plans to admit male students into some departments.

The controversy has revealed deep-seated tensions surrounding gender equality, societal expectations, and the survival of single-gender universities in South Korea as it grapples with demographic and social challenges.

What’s behind the protests

Founded in the early 20th century, Dongduk Women’s University was established to empower women in a society dominated by patriarchal norms. For decades, it has been a haven for female students, providing a space for education free from the male gaze and societal scrutiny.

However, in a meeting to set goals for 2040, university administrators floated the idea of opening certain departments — such as design and performing arts — to male students.

Although the university claims the idea was merely part of a broader discussion, it has triggered fierce backlash. Students accuse the administration of failing to consult them, with a student council representative stating, “The university’s unilateral decision, made without any input from the students who actually study and live here, left us with no choice but to raise our voices.”

Slogans like “We’d rather perish than open our doors” have been spray-painted across campus buildings. Hundreds of jackets and diplomas have been laid out in symbolic protest, while students occupied the main building, forcing classes online and leading to the cancellation of a planned job fair.

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What is the students’ case

Students argue that admitting male students undermines the institution’s original purpose and the sense of safety it provides.

Co-chair of the student protest committee, Lee Song-yi, explained: “Although the university isn’t a perfect haven, we have felt free inside the campus. Getting rid of a safe space where women can freely express their opinions goes against the founding purposes of the university.”

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Citing incidents such as a 2018 case where a man posted explicit photos taken inside a classroom, students pointed to a pattern of unsafe environments for women outside the campus. Broader societal issues, such as stalking, illegal filming, and violent crimes against women, exacerbate their concerns.

South Korea ranks 94th out of 146 countries in gender equality, with women holding just 20 per cent of parliamentary seats and occupying only 7.3 per cent of executive roles in major companies. In this climate, many students see women-only universities as critical spaces for nurturing female talent.

Then why is the university hoping to admit male students

At the heart of the controversy is South Korea’s ongoing demographic crisis. The country’s birthrate, one of the lowest globally, has led to an 18 per cent drop in higher education enrollment over the past decade, threatening the viability of single-gender institutions.

Some administrators argue that admitting male students is essential for the university’s long-term survival and competitiveness.

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Politicians have also weighed in, turning the protests into a political battleground. Conservative leaders, including Han Dong-hoon, condemned the students’ actions as “uncivilised” and demanded accountability for property damage, which the university estimates at 2.4 billion to 5.4 billion won ($1.7–$3.9 million).

Opposition politicians, however, accused conservatives of weaponising the protests to distract from unrelated political scandals.

The protests have also sparked anti-feminist backlash online, with groups like New Men’s Solidarity threatening to expose protesters’ personal information. A female YouTuber supporting the protests reportedly faced harassment and was forced to close her account.

What now

Following a series of tense meetings, the university agreed to temporarily suspend discussions on co-education. However, students remain unconvinced, demanding a complete withdrawal of the proposal.

During a general meeting attended by 1,973 students — far exceeding the 10 per cent quorum required — an overwhelming 1,971 voted against the transition.

Despite partial concessions from the administration, student council president Choi Hyun-ah declared, “The existence of women’s universities is about advancing women’s educational rights; transitioning to co-education would mean there’s no reason for us to exist at all.”

The protests have since inspired similar movements at other women’s universities, including Sungshin Women’s University, where students condemned plans to admit male international students.

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With inputs from agencies