KnocKH, the sole candidate of the 2025 Seoul Campus General Student Association (GSA) by-election, was elected on March 28. Although vote counting was delayed due to insufficient voter turnout, the threshold was ultimately met by the final deadline. Now that KnocKH has taken on the role of the GSA, the focus shifts to their plans and leadership.

KnocKH is presenting their aspiration

GSA Election Result

The vote was able to be counted as it successfully met the required threshold. The Seoul Campus Central Election Committee (CEC) set the final voting deadline at 6:00 p.m. on March 28. By that time, a total of 7,027 out of 13,866 students had cast their votes, resulting in a voter turnout of 50.68%. This rate meets the minimum requirement outlined in the Seoul Campus Election Rules (ER)—a 50% turnout—thereby allowing the CEC to proceed with the vote count.

In this election, KnocKH secured the majority of approval votes to become the Seoul Campus GSA. According to the ER, when there is only one candidate, voters cast either an approval or a disapproval vote. The candidate is elected if they receive more than two-thirds approval. Out of the total votes, KnocKH received 6,509 approval votes, 296 disapproval votes, and 222 abstentions, recording an approval rate of 92.63%, thus meeting the requirement for election.

Now, KnocKH is waiting for final confirmation. The ER ensure a four-day objection period for KHU students to raise any concerns regarding the election results. During this period, students are able to submit questions or objections to the CEC. If no valid complaints are accepted, KnocKH will be officially confirmed as the 2025 GSA.

Reconsidering the Election Results

The voting results carry particular significance, as they mark a turning point for the Seoul Campus GSA. Since January 2025, the GSA has remained vacant due to the absence of registered candidates, and its duties have been handled by the Emergency Response Committee (ERC). As the ERC is not an elected body, concerns could have been raised about a lack of legislative authority and representativeness. However, with the election of a student-led GSA president this time, there is hope for greater inclusivity and a more accurate representation of KHU students’ voices in future university affairs.

In contrast, the voting results may also reflect a limited level of student engagement with university affairs. The voting period, originally scheduled to end on March 26, had to be extended by two days and managed to meet the vote-counting requirement on March 28. This suggests a degree of student indifference toward the election, highlighting the need for KnocKH to work harder to earn trust and engagement in the future.

KnocKH's Future Aspirations

Regarding the election results, both candidates acknowledged that more effort is needed. Eom Gyu-min, the elected president, remarked, “We need to reconsider why we failed to generate greater interest in university affairs among KHU students. Therefore, we will put more effort into GSA operations to encourage greater engagement in student autonomy.”

Heo Ye-dam, the vice-president, added, “I believe the ERC is a result of the lack of interest in student autonomy. Since we have been elected, we will do our best to encourage KHU students to participate more actively in the student society.”

Furthermore, the elected candidates shared their thoughts on future operations. Eom remarked that they believe student autonomy stems from communication and that they will continue to uphold this value throughout their term.

Heo also added that they will focus more on what they must do, rather than what they can do, then that KHU students are able to pursue their rights and dreams at the University.

The 2025 Seoul Campus by-election has finally come to an end. Although the results were difficult to predict until the very last moment, KnocKH has ultimately been elated as the new Seoul Campus GSA. With KnocKH’s delayed start, the attention now turns to their future operations.