At Chosun University’s department orientation meeting (MT), a controversy regarding sexual harassment and assault among students has emerged.
On the 17th, according to Chosun University, concerns were raised about an incident at a department MT held from March 31 to April 2, where some students reportedly pressured others to participate in drinking games and made lewd comments.
On the anonymous college community platform 'Everytime,' testimonies emerged stating that students were seen forcing freshmen to participate in a five-step drinking game involving passing alcohol mouth to mouth. The student who posted the testimony claimed to have also heard sexual acts and words referring to genitalia or profanity during the game. Another student reported hearing profanity and lewd comments, stating that a senior of the opposite sex touched their thigh, causing them to want to cry.
As more students came forward with their claims, the student council of the relevant college stated, “Despite conducting sexual harassment prevention and safety training on the first day of the MT, we feel a deep sense of responsibility for these events occurring.” They expressed, “We apologize to all those who experienced discomfort and will ensure more thorough training and preventive measures at future events.”
The student council understood that the drinking game was conducted voluntarily among same-sex students, and plans to investigate whether any coercion or sexual assault occurred as more information is verified. Chosun University has also requested an investigation from the on-campus Human Rights Ethics Center at the college level. The university plans to take disciplinary action in accordance with school rules if any victimization is confirmed.