A participant sheds tears during a rally held by Seoul Women's University's feminist group "Rhinoceros Horn," Tuesday, in front of Nowon Police Station, urging the dismissal of defamation charges against students. Korea Times photo by Choi Joo-yeon

Students at Seoul Women's University rallied outside Nowon Police Station, Tuesday, protesting a defamation lawsuit filed by a professor accused of sexual misconduct. The demonstration was organized by the university's feminist group, "Rhinoceros Horn."

Around 500 participants, including students, alumni and professors, demanded that police dismiss the case against students who had posted statements criticizing the professor.

The protest stems from allegations that a German language and literature professor, identified as "A," sexually harassed and assaulted students. After receiving a report in July 2022, the university conducted an investigation and imposed a three-month pay reduction as punishment.

Students learned of the incident over a year later in September 2023 and criticized the university's handling of the case. They posted statements urging the separation of the perpetrator from campus and stronger protection for victims.

Students and affiliates of Seoul Women's University hold signs and chant slogans during a rally in front of Nowon Police Station, Tuesday, calling for the dismissal of defamation charges filed by a professor accused of sexual misconduct against students. Korea Times photo by Choi Joo-yeon

These posters included the suspect's initials, prompting the professor to file a defamation lawsuit against the authors on Oct. 22.

During the rally, a student involved with the posters said, "The university should revoke the professor's position instead of tarnishing the reputation of current students and alumni."

Another student said, "The posters were intended to expose sexual misconduct and protect the student community, not to defame anyone. The professor's lawsuit undermines victim protection and community safety."

Faculty members also voiced their support. Professor Shin Hyun-sook of the German language and literature department tearfully said, "I stand with the students because they are right. I am deeply sorry, ashamed and grateful to them."

Seoul Women's University's Faculty Council also issued a statement urging the professor to drop the lawsuit and the university president, Seung Hyun-woo, to provide a concrete plan to prevent future incidents.

Red spray-painted messages condemning a professor accused of sexual harassment and the university's response are seen on a building at Seoul Women's University in northeastern Seoul's Nowon District, Monday. Newsis

Support from other universities

Students from other women's universities joined the rally. A student from Ewha Womans University criticized the systemic failure to address campus sexual violence, saying, "These crimes persist because universities lack the will to resolve them and fail to treat women as genuine students."

Dongduk Women's University students, currently at odds with their administration over coeducation policies, also participated. A member of Siren, their feminist group, said, "Professor A does not see students as individuals to be respected but as young women he can exploit without serious consequences."

Students at Seoul Women's University have continued their protests on campus, spray-painting messages like "Expel the sexual offender professor" and "Seoul Women's University is not a hostess bar" on building exteriors and sidewalks.

In response, the university warned on Nov. 14 that it would seek damages for property vandalism, intensifying the standoff.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.