On May 7, the Protest to Protect the Name of Chungbuk National University was hosted by the Central Steering Committee, which consists of the Student Council, the Central Autonomous District, and representatives of students from each college. The protest began with a march to Gaesin Cultural Square at 12 p.m. and lasted an hour. It was held in front of the university headquarters. About 700 students participated in the protest, urging opposition to integration and protection for the CBNU name. It recorded the largest number of participants among protests held since the beginning of the Glocal 30 project discussions.

  The committee stated that the protest was held because the student council and central steering committee have always opposed integration. In particular, they mentioned that 87% of students voted against the Glocal project last year. They also said, “The conflict and confusion caused by the integration are due to the unilateral push by the university headquarters,” and added, “Something absurd can happen that can harm us, such as not only the name of the university, but also the university history, diplomas, campus relocation, and the merger of similar departments. “This is something that should not happen,” they said.

  In addition, “Chungbuk National University is not just a name, it embodies the identity of our university that nurtures national talent and fulfills its responsibilities for the development of the local community,” they said. “As discussions on the name of the Integrated University become more active through the survey conducted by both universities, we can not hide our deep regret for this deplorable action,” they added.

  They continued, “We have never been in favor of integration also never been in favor of changing the name of the University.” They said, “If it is not Chungbuk National University, there is only a dark and miserable future. Hanging a new name on the main gate of our university is a foolish act that goes against the current status and value 200,000 alumni and 1.6 million Chungbuk residents have built together.”

  The student council held up banners that read, “Now, It Is Our Turn To Protect Chungbuk National University, Which Opened In 1951 According To The Wishes Of The People Of The Province,” and “87% Oppose To Integration, Also Assuredly Against The Changing Of The University Name.” Students who participated in the protest held up banners with the following written on them: “The President And The University Headquarters Must Protect Chungbuk National University,” “Absolutely Opposed To The Name Change,” “How Embarrassing To Even Discuss A Name Other Than Chungbuk National University,” “Neither Integration Nor Name Change,” and “Absolutely Protects The Name Of Chungbuk National University.”

  The student council announced that it would not stop at this protest but would carry out a strategic, step-by-step movement to protect the name of Chungbuk National University.

  Regarding the protest, Director Woo Soo-dong, in the Office of Planning of CBNU, said, “I understand the concerns of students regarding the University’s name, and I fully sympathize with the students’ actions to actively express their opinions through protests to protect it.”

  Previously, the Korea National University of Transportation (KNUT) held the Integrated University Name Idea Contest from April 22 to May 3 with a prize of 5 million KRW. According to the information, about 300 people participated in the contest, but due to more participating than expected, the announcement of the results scheduled for May 16 was postponed. They will hold information sessions for residents starting in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province, on May 21, in Jeungpyeong, North Chungcheong Province, on the 27, and in Chungju, North Chungcheong Province, on the 28.

  CBNU conducted an integrated university name survey from April 30 to May 9. The results of the survey will be delivered to the university name selection committee and no separate announcement of the results will be made. It is planned to hold on-campus and off-campus information sessions in mid-June before submitting the integrated application at the end of June.

  According to the Office of Planning, the university name selection committee held its 4th meeting on May 17, and no schedule for future meetings has been set. However, the committee agreed that both universities would each present candidates for the integrated university name, including each other’s current name. It is planned to hold an information session for members and the local community regarding name candidates, conduct a preference survey, and finalize the university name.

  Planning Director Woo said “Members, including students, are directly participating in various committees, and we will do our best to ensure that the opinions of our university members are fully reflected, as well as to actively reflect the opinions of our students in protective measures for students.”

  CBNU and KNUT are fast approaching the deadline for submitting an integrated plan at the end of June.