10.24-SNU student quits school to protest education system

[Jini^^]

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2011/10/117_96678.html 

SNU student quits school to protest education system

By Kim Tae-jong

A student from Seoul National University (SNU) has dropped out of the nation’s most prestigious school in protest of what he calls a problematic education system.

Introducing himself only as “Gonghyeon” from the College of Social Sciences, he posted a notice in the student hall of the Seoul campus, under the title “I submitted a letter to quit the school last week.”

He also took a photo of the notice and put it on his Twitter account.

“I quit as I would like to take issue with the current problematic university entrance examination system and the deepening problems associated with the ranking of universities,” he said. “I’m also planning to conscientiously object to compulsory military service.”

His departure came after a female student of Korea University quit last year with reasons similar to those raised by Gonghyeon.

He also said he has been interested in social issues since he was a high school student, engaging himself in various campaigns and protest activities regarding students’ human rights.

“I didn’t want to go to SNU as I feel repulsed by the privilege that people give to SNU students. That also made it difficult for me to adjust to the school life,” he said.

He is now preparing a campaign to block the university entrance with people who decide not to go to university. He said he will choose to be placed behind bars by refusing to serve in the military and after serving the sentence, he will decide what to do next.

“I hope my leaving SNU will raise public awareness of the current education system in our society.”

He also expressed his opposition of the privatization of SNU, arguing schools should not be run as businesses.

[Richie]

I'm sorry to say that I may not be able to attend today's study because there will be a impromptu gathering of friends from my high school. I hope you guys to enjoy today's study and see you tomorrow.

[krom]

I did not sleep well at last night. So I'm tired from lack of sleep now. I'm afraid I can't join the class today.