Inha University Student Council Statement Controversy: "Trembling Lips, Breaking Heart"

Part of the statement issued by the Inha University Student Council regarding the death of a female student on campus.
[Photo by Online Community Capture]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] The student council of Inha University is facing controversy over the statement it released regarding the death of a female student on campus.

On the 16th, the Emergency Committee of the Inha University Student Council posted a statement titled "Swallowing Tears, Holding a Breaking Heart" on the school's website.

This statement pertains to the incident in which a female student was found bleeding on campus and later died. According to the Michuhol Police Station in Incheon, in the early hours of the 15th, a first-year female student was sexually assaulted inside a five-story building and then fell from the third floor to the ground, resulting in her death.

The suspect is a male student in his 20s, identified as Mr. A, who attends the same school. On the day of the incident, Mr. A drank with the victim until shortly before her death. It is known that no other companions were present in the building at that time. The police plan to request an arrest warrant for Mr. A on charges of rape and murder.

Regarding this, the Inha University Student Council stated, "Yesterday (the 15th), a heartbreaking tragedy occurred," adding, "She was only 20 years old, our junior and classmate who had yet to bloom. We can only lower our heads, barely holding back the tears that burst forth from trembling lips."

They continued, "Yesterday, something that should never have happened took place," and "Only 20 years old, a precious friend and classmate to someone, she left this world in vain. It is heartbreaking. Is this truly the only way to say goodbye?"

The student council expressed, "Swallowing endless tears and questions swirling in our minds, holding a breaking heart, we comfort those who lost their only family, friends, classmates, and juniors." They added, "We solemnly mourn the one who left our side." The statement concluded with, "We are sorry that these are the only words we can offer. We respectfully pray for the deceased’s peace."

The public reaction has been cold. Critics argue that the statement is filled with abstract sentences instead of clear explanations of the situation or plans for response. Additionally, the absence of any mention of the perpetrator in the statement has been pointed out. The focus was placed solely on the victim rather than the offender. One netizen commented, "There is not a single sentence urging severe punishment for the perpetrator or explaining how to prevent such incidents in the future."

Another netizen expressed anger, saying, "This statement feels like an empty shell." He criticized, "This is not poetry; it seems like emotional exploitation over the unjust death of a 20-year-old university student." He also called for a proper statement from the school and a thorough investigation into the truth.

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