The existential crisis faced by universities in South Korea reflects the alarmingly low birth rate, admissions rate, and low school-age population in the country. The issue comes in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resultant stress felt by society. While sections of the economy and other institutions are adjusting to the ‘new normal,’ educational institutions are bracing for the cold wave of half-empty classrooms and silent corridors. Moreover, the degree of disparity differs from region to region. As predicted by the Korean government, the number of students entering university will inevitably drop to alarming rates by the year 2026. Hence, it is important for South Korean universities to consider alternatives to prevent the issue from becoming a national concern.

South Korean universities must prioritize taking advantage of the current situation and increasing their global competitiveness and self-sustainability. This is because, while the factors leading to the decline in the school-age population may be difficult to resolve short term, universities can take this opportunity to secure long-term goals for the youth. This can be done in four different capacities - establishing a student-centered campus, actively supporting the international student community, spearheading professional capacity-building among students, and investing in social innovation strategies.

The first step to alleviate the current issue would be to increase the quality of the student life of existing students. This is important to maintain a healthy, motivated, and active student body. Eventually, graduates become forerunners in society, responsible for setting an example for their juniors. Increasing support for student-led activities, giving greater autonomy to student administrative bodies, and providing opportunities to participate in key decision-making processes regarding university life are some steps that can be taken. For example, if students can create a social forum to practically discuss issues and solve them, a yearly newsletter can be published to keep track of such activities. This will help create a greater sense of responsibility and ownership among students regarding their universities’ performance and future. Students must not limit themselves to being recipients of university care. Rather, they must grow to become leaders who resolve to reform and improve these institutions.

Building a diverse and well-integrated international community on campus can help secure the required funds for universities and create global awareness among students. In an age of migration and multiculturalism, international students are inevitably a part of the current transnational trend. This also coincides well with the recent popularity of South Korea’s soft power through K-pop culture acts and media content. A well-dedicated international student community will, in turn, help increase international attention from universities abroad. This can be further useful in international collaborations, research fellowships, funding, summer school programs, etc. University promotions on websites and social networking platforms by foreign students can be a great way to improve the global image of a university.

Professional capacity-building among students is a long-term goal that universities must strive to achieve to nurture future leaders in society. Students must not be confined to academia but branch out to other professional fields for training earlier in their courses. This can help them prepare better for the future when they venture into society. Professional capacity-building among students greatly reflects the university’s image as a leading educational institution. The declining school population is not simply due to fewer students but also due to a section of youth prioritizing jobs at an early age. However, professional capacity-building and skill training is a good way to turn the focus not just on academics but on professional career turn-outs among students. This will create a wave of recognition among high school graduates to renew their faith in university training for a brighter and more stable future.

Finally, social innovation is probably the most crucial step South Korean universities can take to mitigate the crisis. Social innovation involves focused efforts to find new and practical solutions for social problems. It is a long-term ideation project that aims to bring fundamental change in organizations, systems, and society. Social innovation projects must be introduced to improve quality education in universities, and improving the admissions rate is an integral part of faculty training. For example, students can take up issues like low birth rate, high drop-out rate, etc., to deliberate together and interact with young people in such situations. Finding the roots of such problems can be a faster and more efficient way to find solutions. University students can interact with parents and elders in the surrounding communities to understand the concerns of parents and high school students. This can help create an atmosphere of greater understanding and solidarity among community members. Eventually, the future stakeholders of a university are young school students and their parents. Thus, it is important to involve them and discover their concerns.

In an age of interconnectivity and super-mobility, it will be a great step forward if universities in South Korea embrace their modern cosmopolitanism and alleviate sections of society through social innovation. Youth leadership, activism, and global awareness are some ways that can ensure a robust and efficient future for the future society. The existential crisis felt by South Korean universities may not seem easy to resolve in a short time, and some patience is required. However, awareness and pre-recognition of social causes can be a great way to prevent too great a loss. This problem perception reached South Korean society early on and will benefit us in the long run.
 

Grand Prize Winner’s Remarks

“I Wish That More Young People Would
Be Inspired to Discover Their Inner Writers”
 

Writing has become an indispensable part of us in this age of communication and networking. Each person can better understand themselves, their ideas, and their value system by writing. It is one way to express our views to the world. Writing has always been a great passion for me. But I have never felt comfortable letting others read my work, and I have constantly felt anxious about expressing myself to others. I was incredibly delighted to learn via email that I had won the Grand Prize. I was content just to have the confidence to turn in my essay and take part in the contest. However, winning the Grand Prize helped me to understand the importance of using my talent and expressing myself. Many young, excellent writers, in my opinion, lack the resources to put themselves forward. It is through opportunities like these that the youth can realize their own potential and harness it.

I must express my gratitude to Chonnam Tribune for taking the time and effort to organize this contest. I wish that more young people would be inspired to discover their inner writers and freely express themselves to the world. I feel privileged that my article was selected for the Grand Prize in the Chonnam Tribune's 2022 English Essay Contest. I was grateful for the chance to take part in this contest. The competition's theme, chosen by Chonnam Tribune, was significant and pertinent to issues facing young people today. I appreciate the opportunity to express my opinions about it. Congratulations also to the recipients of the other awards. I hope that many younger people are motivated by such opportunities. Thank you.

By Jasmine Gnanam John, Ph. D. Student
Interdisciplinary Program of Global Diaspora Studies, Graduate School, CNU