SNU students rain on their school's 70th anniversary

SNU students rain on their school's 70th anniversary. October. 15, 2016 07:22. by 차길호기자 kilo@donga.com. At the 70th school anniversary held at Culture Hall, Seoul National University on Friday, SNU President Sung Nak-in was ready to give his congratulatory speech. Suddenly, around 10 students burst into the podium and shouted that the school should withdraw enforcement agreement on establishing a new campus in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province. Several professors stood up and stopped the students saying that they were "showing disrespect," but students did not back up, and argued that they "will not leave unless the president promises to withdraw."

The ceremony invited V.I.Ps from home and abroad, including Peking University President Lin Jianhua and around 200 other guests including "Proud Alumni Award" winners and other officials. Students also denounced the "Proud Alumni Award," yelling that "President Sung is giving out strange prizes. Is it really okay to just smile and clap at these winners?" Indeed, distinguished guests were invisible to them. One guest expressed his disappointment by saying, "How could Korea's best intellectuals behave in such a manner?"

It was President Sung who wrapped up the mess and asked the students to "leave for now, as I am willing to talk with all those who love Seoul National University." As a response to Sung, the audience gave a minute-long applause, which overwhelmed the slogans of students. After 28 minutes of occupying the podium, the students left the stage. The school president apologized to guests, saying "We ask for your understanding, as university is a place where all the people enjoy freedom." President Lin replied that it was a moment when I realized how difficult it is to tackle various issues surrounding the campus.