Earlier this month, Dongduk Women’s University became the epicenter of a national debate when over 1,000 students protested against discussions to transition the institution to a co-educational model. At the heart of the unrest is a perceived lack of transparency in decision-making, highlighting tensions between preserving the historical mission of women’s universities and adapting to South Korea’s demographic and financial realities.

This debate is not just about Dongduk. It reflects broader societal issues as supporters of co-education argue for practical and financial viability, while critics warn that such shifts could erode the unique identity of women-only institutions in a society where gender inequality persists.