By Kim Hyun-bin
Many private universities are contemplating implementing a direct election system for their president, as an increasing number of school heads have been embroiled in charges of embezzlement and other unethical behavior.
Sungshin Women's University held its first direct election late last month and appointed Yang Bo-kyung, a geography professor and former vice-president of the university to head the institution. This marks the first time in the schools 82-year history that a direct election has taken place.
Previously, the university's board of directors appointed the president. However, the discussion to implement a direct election emerged after former President Shim Hwa-jin was sentenced to a year in prison for embezzlement.
Ewha Women's University was the first to implement the direct election system last year, giving all students an opportunity to vote for the candidate of their choice.
Last January, the university made a decision to switch from an indirect election system to a direct one, after former President Choi Kyung-hee was found guilty of illegally giving admission favors to Choi Soon-sil's daughter Chung Yoo-ra.
Choi was a close confidant of former president Park Geun-hye, and is currently behind bars after being found guilty on multiple corruption charges.
Last April, the university appointed current President Kim Hei-sook through the direct election system. More institutions are looking to follow suit.
Starting this year, students from key universities have been requesting implementation of the system.
Last March, the National University Student Network (NUSN) established a direct election movement headquarters consisting of 22 of the nation's major universities including Seoul National, Korea and Kyunghee.
“Professors have been dictating the operations of the school, which is the way of the past,” said the NUSN. “The direct election system goes beyond just appointing a president; it reduces the undemocratic ways the institution has been operating and also gives every member a voice in the operation of the university.”
Dongduk Women's University President Kim Nak-hoon's term is scheduled to end in August and the student body has been urging for a direct election. Three thousand students signed a petition and every Tuesday they hold a rally.
“All members need to take part in the election process. There needs to be an organization or set procedure that needs to be established,” said Park Jong-hwa, the student body president at Dongduk.
Many experts believe the movement will likely expand to other universities in the near future.
“After the 2016 candlelit rallies and a successful change of government, university students determination for democratization has strengthened,” said Kim Sang-ho, a research fellow at the Korea Higher Education Research Institute. “It is inevitable. Students will continue to push for direct elections that give them a voice.”