Democratic Party of Korea candidate Choi Dong-min (left) and People Power Party candidate Lee Phil-hyung (right) with MATE President Shin Chang-hoon

On May 22, student representatives from three Dongdaemun-gu universities held a mayoral candidate forum at DDM ARCO Camellia Hall. The event was jointly organized by the General Student Associations (GSAs) of Kyung Hee University (KHU), Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, and the University of Seoul to encourage student engagement ahead of the June local elections. Democratic Party of Korea candidate Choi Dong-min and People Power Party candidate Lee Phil-hyung both attended.

Three Universities Present a Joint Agenda to the Candidates

The three GSAs presented a joint agenda with seven demands. Housing was the top priority. Dormitory capacity at universities in Dongdaemun-gu averages just 10%, which is far below the national average of 22%, while off-campus rents remain high. The GSAs proposed that Dongdaemun-gu and local universities work together to build cooperative student housing.

The two candidates responded differently. Choi said he would explore ways to utilize existing buildings, promising to “prepare various forms of a cooperative model.” Lee took a more cautious stance, stating, “Housing is something individuals ultimately have to resolve on their own. Even if we start construction now, it would take at least ten years.”

The remaining demands included introducing a Bus Rapid Transit system to ease transit problems for students near the Gyeongui–Jungang Line, creating an integrated platform for academic and job information, establishing a youth policy consultative body between the three GSAs and the Dongdaemun-gu Office, a nighttime pedestrian safety improvement project, and an inter-university academic exchange program.

KHU’s Additional Requests

KHU’s GSA, MATE, presented three demands specifically for KHU.

The first demand was improving the Dongdaemun 01 and 02 bus routes, providing clearer timetables, and addressing irregular operations. Both candidates responded positively. Choi said, “I will coordinate with Seoul City regarding the routes. I am also planning a free public circulator bus connecting all three campuses.” Lee said, “I apologize that we have not been able to do this until now. I will work with the city, the student councils, and our staff to get it done.”

The second demand was revitalizing the Hoegi commercial district through a night market and support for local businesses. Choi said he would “devise bold strategies to grow Hoegi’s commercial scene and culture.” Lee said students should take the lead, noting, “The mindset to build a good commercial district has to come from students first. Form a consultative body, and we will support you from there.”

The third demand was a social innovation project in which students could design credit-bearing courses around public-sector collaboration. Choi said the district’s youth employment division would collaborate with students on the project. Lee noted he had run a similar program at Sungkyunkwan University and said he would “get actively involved” if KHU moved forward.

Beginning of Youth Policy Engagement

MATE President Shin Chang-hoon closed the event by framing it as a starting point.

“Young people have too often been seen not as members of society, but as those who simply need help,” he said. “We wanted to show that the problems students face in everyday life can be solved through policy.”

He ended with a message to students: “The three GSAs will keep gathering your thoughts and concerns and bring them to the district, the city, and beyond. We will not stop.”

The forum covered a range of issues including housing, transit, employment, safety, and local commerce. As the June local elections approach, the event served as a bridge connecting students, universities, and Dongdaemun-gu.