By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
An honorary professor at the nation's top university is facing rising anger from female students for his sexist statements.
They claim the comments were degrading to women ― and say they are more than mere misdemeanors because they involved school grades.
On an online bulletin board for Seoul National University students Sunday, an article about the man, who has been identified as an elderly professor Kim at the institution, was uploaded under the name of ``The Man Who Keeps Talking About Women's Figures.'' The writer claimed that the professor made odd and offensive comments.
``All he says in the classroom are some stupid words such as, `women should get plastic surgery,' and, `do some remodeling on your face.' I feel mortified whenever I hear it,'' the writer said.
Under the article, there was an instantaneous string of ``testimonies.''
One contributor wrote, ``Once he said he didn't like female students in our class. He said, `Girls in other classes get me drinks and behave really kindly to me. However, you are all too stiff. You need a sense of femininity,' he said.''
Another added, ``One day, he told women to get married and become homemakers rather than going to graduate school. All our classmates took it very personally."
The professor reportedly asked his students in a science class to write a report about how to ``upgrade'' their appearance.
His name was widely publicized when another student revealed that he put, ``What appearance means to a woman,'' and ``Why dating means so much to women in getting married and making a social career,'' as science examination questions for another of his classes at a different school.
``It is a clear insult to women,'' a sophomore in one of his classes told the Yonhap News Agency. According to the school, an angry parent even called the university president to request his dismissal.
The institution said there is little it can do since he is an honorary professor who cannot be sacked. ``We will be thinking of possible measures,'' a school spokesman said.
However, the professor has denied that he has done anything wrong. He said he was simply trying to enlighten students and help them look beautiful and attractive. ``I have been making such comments for more than 10 years and I find it very surprising that students are making it an issue right now,'' he told the Yonhap News Agency.
He said his ``advice'' is actually making a difference. ``Many students told me that my advice worked when getting a job.''