[465 Clip] Satisfying School Event for Everyone

   “2024 Young Camp: The Main Character” was held on September 25th at the Jangchung Gymnasium in Seoul. Recently, the Korean Buddhist has been actively engaging with the younger generation through content like “NewJeansNim.” “NewJeansNim.” is the dharma name of comedian Yoon Sung-ho, who DJs at various events to enhance communication with the younger generation. The Young Camp, organized by the Buddhist Student Union of Dongguk University, is part of this initiative. Approximately 2,500 students and 500 faculty members participated in the event, which aimed to pray for the future of Buddhism. Over 2,500 people have begun their journey into Buddhism through this Young Camp event, enhancing communication between the younger generation and the faith. The event was well-received, but some concerns were raise, regarding attendance issues and the infringement of their right to attend classes. The Dongguk Post interviewed students who had complaints with these events to find out the exact controversies, hoping to improve future school events.

   The controversies around the Young Camp primarily arose during the promotion process. According to student interviews, the school initially restricted participation to Buddhist clubs but later expanded it to include general clubs and all students gradually, which could be interpreted by some students as a sign of desperation to increase attendance. Complaints about attendance issues gained traction on school social media. One student told The Dongguk Post that it was announced on the e-class notice on Monday that their Tuesday afternoon major class was canceled, and they received a notice stating that attendance at the Young Camp would be required for credit. These issues were not limited to the Seoul campus but also affected students at the Bio-Medi Campus(BMC) located in Ilsan, where no separate transportation or solutions were provided for them. After the student complaints, the lectures proceeded as originally planned, and attendance for the Young Camp was changed from mandatory to optional, allowing absences to be acknowledged.  There are concerns remaining that this coercive participation might happen again in the future. In addition, regarding the Young Camp, there were reports that the school urged students to sign up after professors expressed concern about low participation rates. Students felt that this coercive approach detracted from the natural spread of Buddhism and instead felt like a mandate.

   As the controversy arose, the Student Council’s Emergency Response Committee, “Cheongmyeong,” announced on their official Instagram on the 24th that they had engaged in discussions with the Student Affairs Office regarding the protection of students’ rights. “Cheongmyeong” requested the assurance of students’ academic rights and religious freedom, demanding the provision of transportation for BMC students and alternative assignments for students of other religions. In response to the situation, the Student Capacity Development Team stated, “We will work to establish specific guidelines and directives in consultation with relevant departments regarding areas the Student Affairs Office can address.”

   Given the nature of Buddhism, providing opportunities to experience its values and philosophy naturally, rather than through coercion, would lead to greater acceptance. It is hoped that future festivals that will be held be structured to allow students to choose to participate autonomously. There were many controversies surrounding school festivals in the spring as well. The Young Camp also faced some challenges even though it was regarded as a successful event by the school committee. The Dongguk Post hopes the voices of students and staff continue to be reflected and improvements to be made, thus making everyone satisfied with life at Dongguk University.