[Opinion] YMCA

Jongno Avenue is where Korea’s recent modern history all happened. It was here where civilization movement started to bloom during the end of 19th century and where the independence movement was born during Japan’s colonial rule. After occupying the Korean peninsula, Japan built establishments for colonial rule around Gwanghwamun, Taepyeongno, Namdaemun, and Yongsan areas, which were the center of Seoul. Its aim was to take over the critical area of the capital city in order to have stronger control over Korea. Japanese who came to live in Korea settled themselves south of Cheonggyecheon, which is connected to this central area, and Koreans formed their livelihood around the northern region of Jongno.

It was no accident that the March first Independent Movement occurred at Pagoda Park in Jongno. The religious social groups gathered around Jongno, and intellects and students from the northern village interacted and revolted together against Japan. It was YMCA that represented Jongno as the strongpoint of national movement for independence. Seoul YMCA started in 1903 as the Hwangseong Christians’ Youth Group, and it later built a 3-floor brick assembly hall in Jongno-2ga in 1908. Hwang Hyun writes in “Maecheonyarok” that “the building is like a mountain. It is the largest building in Seoul.” The building itself was very magnificent, but it was the youth group’s actions that were truly great, educating and enlightening the nation.

After liberation, Seoul YMCA worked at the forefront to achieve democratization and civil rights. It has been leading our times for the past 100 years. That is why we are more dumbfounded by the fact that YMCA is currently at the center of a sexual discrimination dispute. Seoul YMCA changed the qualification for becoming a full member to “person” from “man” in 1967. It was an act to overcome the general misconception that YMCA was an organization for only male as its name’s first two words “Young Man” implied.

However, ways for women to participate in management in fact were blocked. The board did not give women the right to participate in assembly meetings. On top of that, the organization had recently announced its amendment to change member qualification to “man” from “person” and only allow some women to participate in its activities exceptionally. Naturally, the issue drew complaints and grew larger. It is a shame to see their past good deeds become tarnished. We hope to see YMCA’s first principle which is to “work in order to provide equal opportunities and fairness to all” be respected.

Hong Chan-sik, Editorial Writer, chansik@donga.com