"Don't Dishonor Alma Mater" Gominjeong's 'Branch School' Remark Sparks Backlash, Leading to Post Revision

"Is this really a senior? Do you have to pass a blind test just to get hired?"

Democratic Party lawmaker Go Min-jung deleted the word "branch school" from her post after her remark caused controversy regarding the proposed "blind recruitment law."
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seohyun] Democratic Party lawmaker Ko Min-jung revised the content of her post after controversy arose over her referring to her alma mater as a "branch campus" in relation to the proposal of the 'blind recruitment law.'

Earlier, on the 13th, Ko explained the reason for proposing the blind recruitment law on her Facebook. She said, "I also experienced joining KBS through a blind test, so I feel the importance of legislation more than anyone else," adding, "Since the Moon Jae-in administration, public institutions have been implementing it, and its effectiveness has been proven. However, since it is not legislated, there is always anxiety. We intend to legislate it to ensure this good system does not regress."

Originally, Ko wrote in the post, "I graduated from Kyung Hee University's Suwon Campus, which was a branch campus at the time, but thanks to this system, I have come this far," and "I request fellow lawmakers to co-propose so that the second and third Ko Min-jungs can be born."

However, after current Kyung Hee University students and members of various online communities raised objections, saying, "Kyung Hee University Suwon Campus (now International Campus) is not a branch campus. Do not disgrace your alma mater," and repeatedly protested the use of the term "branch campus," she revised the post by deleting that word.

Democratic Party lawmaker Ko Min-jung deleted the word "branch school" from her post after controversy arose over her use of the term. The photo shows the revised post. Photo by Ko Min-jung Facebook capture

However, criticism continues. One netizen expressed anger, saying, "During last year's general election, lawmaker Ko caused a commotion at the school by labeling Kyung Hee University International Campus as a branch campus," and "How many times will you hurt graduates and current students and cause branch campus controversies? Please watch your words."

Members of the Kyung Hee University online community also reacted with comments such as, "Does that mean you can only be hired through a blind test?" and "Are you really an alumnus? What kind of remarks are those?"

At the time Ko entered, Kyung Hee University Suwon Campus was a branch campus, but it is no longer so. It currently uses the name International Campus and merged with the Seoul Campus in 2011.

Meanwhile, Ko graduated from Kyung Hee University Suwon Campus's Department of Chinese Language and Literature and joined KBS as a public recruitment announcer in 2004 as part of the 30th class. After leaving KBS in 2017, she served as spokesperson for the Democratic Party's presidential primary campaign, then as deputy spokesperson and spokesperson at the Blue House following the inauguration of the Moon Jae-in administration.

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