Dongduk Women’s University “Maximum Damage Costs 5.4 Billion KRW”
Several online communities have seen current employees from the exterior construction industry expressing concern. One commented, “The lacquer paint has to be completely stripped to the base and redone,” estimating that labor, material costs, and construction time could exceed 5 billion KRW. The protest against the transition of Dongduk Women’s University into a coeducation institution continues, with concerns about the restoration costs being voiced. Due to the fierce resistance from students, which includes phrases like “Absolutely Oppose Coeducation” sprayed in red, the expense for repairs is expected to be significant.
On the 18th, discussions emerged on various online platforms criticizing Dongduk Women’s University’s protest methods. A commenter identifying as a construction worker remarked, “5.4 billion KRW is just a rough estimate,” adding, “Blocking the main and back gates and rallying workers might allow for recovery within that budget, but is that feasible given the nature of a university?”
They also noted, “The campus isn’t large, so construction has to be done in sections, which will slow down the process significantly. Even if the construction areas are small, safety and fire regulations today mean enormous costs for labor and materials.” They emphasized the high labor costs associated with such projects over material expenses.
The university had earlier estimated damage costs from the student protests could reach up to 5.4 billion KRW, including compensation claims for a canceled job fair due to disruptions, building repairs, and additional recruitment expenses. They explained that for issues like lacquer and paint damage, depending on the extent of absorption, options range from simple cleaning to replacing entire sections of the exterior material.
A paint contractor noted, “Lacquer and oil-based paints can be removed using solvents like vegetable or mineral oil, but this isn’t entirely accurate. While different materials can clean concrete walls if not too much time has passed, you can’t remove it from asphalt or paving blocks.” They argued that the only solution to graffiti is complete removal and reinstallation, which costs two to three times more than new installations.
Meanwhile, Choi Hyun-ah, the president of Dongduk Women’s University’s student council, discussed the perceived radical protest methods on CBS Radio’s ‘Kim Hyun-jung’s News Show,’ explaining that the council had initially considered peaceful methods like filibusters and picketing. Concerns escalated after reports of male students being admitted led to anxiety among students, compounded by the administration’s lukewarm responses and lack of communication, leading to the current actions.