Prosecutors Indict 11 Without Detention Over Dongduk Women's University Coeducation Protest

Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office Indicts 11 Without Detention

On the 25th, 11 current students and others were indicted without detention in relation to the on-campus occupation protest held by students of Dongduk Women's University in 2024, opposing the transition to a coeducational system. The photo shows anti-coeducation slogans written on the floor of Dongduk Women's University on November 21, 2024. Photo by Yonhap News

On March 25, 2026, it was announced that 11 individuals, including current students, had been indicted without detention in connection with the on-campus occupation protest carried out by Dongduk Women's University students in 2024, who were opposing the discussion of transitioning to a coeducational system.

The Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office stated on March 25 that it had indicted, without detention, 11 people—including the president of the Dongduk Women's University Student Council and the head of education for the feminist club "Siren"—on charges of obstruction of business, joint refusal to vacate, joint unlawful detention, and destruction of property.

These individuals occupied and protested in the university’s main building and Centennial Memorial Hall for 24 days in November and December 2024, in opposition to Dongduk Women's University’s plan to transition to a coeducational system. They also spray-painted various campus facilities.

Previously, Dongduk Women's University had estimated the damages from the occupation protest at approximately 4.6 billion won and filed a police complaint, in the president’s name, against 21 individuals including the student council president. This complaint was later withdrawn.

However, the police continued their investigation and referred the case to the prosecution in June 2025, as charges such as destruction of property and obstruction of business do not fall under offenses subject to non-prosecution upon the victim’s objection, meaning criminal punishment can proceed regardless of the victim’s wishes.

A representative from the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office stated, "We will continue to respond firmly to illegal group protest crimes."

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