▲ A hand-written poster criticizing the headquarters of CWNU is posted inside the university headquarters building (Source: Gyeongnam Domin Ilbo)

On November 4, hand- written posters criticizing President Yoon Suk- yeol, his wife, and Myung Tae- kyun were posted around the CWNU campus. Myung Tae- kyun, a graduate of the Department of Industrial Business in CWNU, has been identified as a key figure in the allegations of interference in the nomination process for the National Assembly elections. The headquarters of CWNU stated that the posters violated posting regulations and were removed. However, some argue that the headquarters is suppressing students' freedom of expression, fueling controversy.

The initial posters featured strong messages criticizing President Yoon Suk- yeol’s administration and Myung Tae- kyun, who is accused of involvement in election nomination interference. Statements included, “If you want Yoon Suk- yeol to step down, join us in writing posters,” “Let’s work together to bring down the Yoon administration,” and, “Alumnus Myung Tae- kyun, you are a disgrace to CWNU.” Additionally, all posters included a note requesting they not be removed until a specified date, when henceforth they would be voluntarily taken down.

However, the headquarters promptly removed the posters as they were put up. Citing the university’s “Regulations on the Installation and Management of Campus Postings,” it stated, “Postings require prior approval, and any unauthorized postings are subject to removal. Therefore, we are taking down the posters that violate these regulations.” The headquarters added, “If students wish to put up posters following the proper procedures, we are open to reviewing their requests for approval.”

The unilateral removal of posters by the university has sparked backlash, with critics arguing that it infringes on students' freedom of expression. A poster posted on the campus on November 7 stated, “Universities have historically been places of education and bastions of democracy. Since when has it become impossible for students at CWNU to post even a single criticism of a flawed society?” It further criticized the administration, saying, “How can the university fail to support and protect students who express their voices, and instead take the lead in removing posters from campus?”

News of the university headquarter’s removal of the students' posters prompted a response from Changwoohoe, a Democratic Alumni Association comprised of CWNU graduates. On November 11, the group held a press conference in front of the university’s main gate, condemning the administration’s actions. They collectively demanded: “An apology from CWNU for unilaterally removing the posters containing students' opinions under the pretext of lacking approval, as well as measures to prevent such actions in the future.” They asserted, “The headquarters should take pride in the constructive spirit of criticism demonstrated by CWNU students.”

According to CWNU’s regulations on postings, all materials displayed on campus require prior approval, and official stamps have been mandatory for major campus activities, such as student council events and elections. While this policy is a long- standing fact, the current controversy raises deeper questions beyond mere adherence to regulations. It prompts reflection on whether universities can truly serve as spaces for students to express critical voices and to what extent freedom of expression should be permitted within academic institutions.

In fact, in November 2022, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea recommended that universities revise their prior approval policies for posters. The commission determined that such regulations restrict students’ constructive expression of opinions and autonomous activities. This ongoing debate between “adherence to university regulations” and “freedom of expression” ultimately raises a fundamental question: which values should universities prioritize?

This is not only an issue exclusive to CWNU but also a challenge that the entire academic community must address and resolve collectively. CWNU faces a critical choice: will it strictly enforce regulations to prioritize order, or will it embrace and support students' constructive voices, seeking improvements aligned with the changing times? What path should CWNU take considering this incident? We are curious to hear readers' thoughts on this poster controversy.

By Kim Han-seul, reporter  hozejunior@naver.com

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