Due to the Impact of 'Shinjong Corona', Graduation Ceremonies Canceled One After Another... University Students Left 'Upset'

College Seniors Facing Graduation "Understand the Situation but Feel Regretful"
Some Universities Including Konkuk University, Sookmyung Women's University, and Sejong University Cancel Graduation Ceremonies
Additional Domestic Confirmed Cases of Novel Coronavirus... Total 23 Patients

Amid concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection, a notice prohibiting tourist entry was placed in front of the main gate of Ewha Womans University in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 4th. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] "It's my only college graduation ceremony in my life, so it's really disappointing that it's being canceled like this."

Office worker A (26) said this on the 5th after receiving a notice from the school about the cancellation of the graduation ceremony. A said, "I applied for graduation after 7 years due to reasons such as leave of absence and course completion," and added, "If I had known it would be canceled unilaterally like this, I would have applied for graduation in August or next winter."

He said, "A graduation ceremony is not just about receiving a diploma but has a strong emotional event character," and added, "I wanted to say goodbye to professors and classmates one last time and formally conclude my school life, so I am very upset that it turned out this way."

The novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) that originated in Wuhan, China is spreading domestically as well. With 4 additional confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, bringing the total to 23, universities are canceling major events such as entrance and graduation ceremonies one after another due to concerns about the spread of infection.

On the 1st, Kyung Hee University announced the cancellation of the 2019 first semester degree conferment ceremony and the 2020 freshman entrance ceremony. Kyung Hee University stated, "The recent spread of the novel coronavirus infection has increased social concern and anxiety," and "We have decided to adjust major academic schedules."

Subsequently, major universities in Seoul such as Konkuk University, Sookmyung Women's University, and Sejong University also announced that they would cancel graduation and entrance ceremonies. Korea University, Ewha Womans University, Hongik University, Myongji University, Soongsil University, and Hongik University announced that they would postpone graduation ceremonies. Some universities, including Chung-Ang University, plan to postpone this graduation ceremony and combine it with the summer degree conferment ceremony held in August.

On the 5th, Yoo Eun-hye, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, held a briefing at the Government Seoul Office and announced the 'Academic Management Measures Related to the Novel Coronavirus Infection.' Minister Yoo recommended universities to postpone the start of the semester by up to 4 weeks and advised postponing or canceling group events such as graduation ceremonies and freshman orientations for the time being.

On the 5th, two additional confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were reported in South Korea, and students wearing masks are moving within the campus at Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

As a result, students who were scheduled to graduate this month, including those who have completed their courses and current students, understand the situation after the outbreak of the novel coronavirus but find it difficult to accept the unilateral cancellation.

Course completer B (24) said, "After hearing the news that the graduation ceremony was canceled, I inquired with the school. I asked if there were alternatives such as holding it together with the summer degree conferment ceremony or postponing it, but they just said, 'The administrative process is finished,' and that graduation would be processed," and lamented, "Graduating from university happens only once in a lifetime, so it's very disappointing to have to go through it like this."

He added, "A graduation ceremony means more than just 'finishing school' for me," and said, "The university is like a kind of hometown to me. But being told to leave without a proper conclusion makes me feel like I am being kicked out."

University student C (23) said, "I'm not asking to force the graduation ceremony right now. I read in the news that other schools are holding it combined with the August graduation ceremony," and added, "I just want them to consider holding it after the novel coronavirus situation calms down."

Meanwhile, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) Central Disease Control Headquarters announced on the 6th that the number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases in Korea increased by 4, bringing the total to 23. The 20th patient (41, female) was confirmed to be a family member of the 15th patient (43, male). She tested positive during a test conducted while in self-quarantine on the 5th and is currently isolated at the Armed Forces Capital Hospital.

The 21st patient (59, female) was confirmed to be a contact of the 6th patient (55, male), and the 22nd patient (46, male) was identified as a family member of the 16th patient (42, female). The 23rd patient (58, female) was confirmed to be a Chinese national who entered Korea for tourism purposes on the 23rd of last month.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.