Hanchongryun to Restructure

Hanchongryun (Union of Korean Universities` General Students Associations) announced on April 14, that it decided to legalize and dismantle it in order to develop it into a better organization.

Therefore, it plans to form a ‘Special Committee for Building a New Organization for Student Activities’ to come up with various ideas until the general meeting of representatives in September. It also plans to become a new organization, encompassing such general groups as volunteer groups and religious clubs.

The organization held a press conference after the launch of its 11th Administration. At the press conference, it said that during the 2-day meeting of representatives, all participants felt the need for the set-up of a new student organization that listens to the voices of all students. It said that it would present to the meeting of representatives a new platform that contains basic principles like ‘anti-war and peace’.

Jae-wuk Jung, chairman of Hanchongryun and head of the students’ association at Yonsei University, held a separate meeting with reporters in the afternoon that day. He said, “Legalizing Hanchongryun is the only way for it to come closer to the general public and to carry out new student activities.” He added, “Hanchongryun will be “more aggressive” in its effort to legalize.”

Spokesperson Dae-sik Woo, head of the students association of Kyunghee University, said, “Hanchongryun will not stick to the abolition of the National Security Law, but will restructure as an organization closer to the students.”

Hanchongryun also plans to form an advisory committee composed of respected social figures from educational, academic, social, and religious groups and listen to their advice.

However, as for outlawing the organization, it claimed, “There is no platform or principle that is in conflict with the law. That is why the prosecution and political circles should recognize Hanchongryun as a lawful group.”

Hanchongryun added, “In various trials conducted in 1997, the prosecution did not take issue with claims that the National Security Law be abolished, that the then National Intelligence Service be dismantled, that the U.S. and North Korea strike a peace accord, and that American forces withdraw from South Korea.”

Hanchongryun said it would meet directly with President Roh Mu-hyun to talk about legalization of the association. It demanded the withdrawal of public prosecution against 176 political figures of Hanchongryun; prohibition of its recognition as an illegal organization; and the release of all prisoners associated with Hanchongryun.

Jin-Suk Huh jameshuh@donga.com