Seoul National University (SNU) students gathered on December 27, 2023, for a significant protest against rising tuition fees, which they claim unfairly burdens students. Their discontent was not just about the costs but also tied deeply to the actions of prominent alumni guiding the country, including President Yoon Suk-yeol and Acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.
The protest took place outside the central office of the ruling People Power Party, situated in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul. Chants such as, "We call upon you, our seniors, to return your diplomas!" echoed through the streets as students displayed their frustration at what they see as failures of their seniors to act responsibly.
Students pointed out the stark reality they face—while many of them graduate from one of the nation's most prestigious institutions, the increasing tuition puts financial pressure on them, with many fearing crippling student loan debt. "The leading figures of the martial law are mostly our seniors from SNU," said one student representative at the rally. This sentiment was palpable as they criticized their alumni for not stepping up to address their plight.
Among the grievances voiced, the protest leaders chastised President Yoon for not taking responsibility for the turmoil affecting the nation. “President Yoon, you have not offered even one sincere apology,” one student leader remarked, highlighting the disconnect between alumni leadership and current student struggles. The accountability they demand draws upon their alumni's actions during recent political turmoil, which many argue have destabilized trust and governance.
The protests were not without opposition. Nearby, members of conservative groups gathered to counter the students, hurling insults and taunts. One protestor shouted, "Go back to studying, you know nothing about martial law!" This not only emphasizes the division within public opinion over the students' actions but also the broader social schisms related to political grievances.
Security was high as tensions brewed between the two sides, with some conservative attendees wearing masks displaying slogans like "Invalidation of election results." The atmosphere was heated, with chants from SNU students calling for justice and accountability—"79 alumni of class 79, help end the martial law investigation!" and demands for reform reverberated around the vicinity.
Students also took symbolic actions during the protest, attaching stickers bearing words such as 'Dismiss', 'Impeach', and 'Dissolve' over images of Yoon and Han. These gestures were intended to visualize their dissatisfaction with the current administration and the perceived betrayal by their seniors.
The students assert their right to protest, not just as SNU attendees but as active and concerned citizens. They argue it is their duty to speak out when they feel their academic futures are threatened by decisions made by those who once were part of their community.
By highlighting their protests, SNU students are calling attention to broader issues within the country—issues of governance, accountability, and the future of education. Their fight symbolizes not only the quest for fair tuition but also the hope for responsible leadership from those who have walked the same hallways and shared the same classrooms.
These protests reflect more than just dissatisfaction; they embody the hopes and frustrations of generations of students and aim to impact political discourse surrounding education and governance. The students’ resilience and organization could signal the beginning of more significant change within the university and beyond.
