Bomb Threats at Sungshin and Gwangju Women’s Universities: Hate Crime Attempt or Social Alarm?

A Day of Panic: Bomb Threats Hit Two Women’s Universities

Did you know that on July 7, 2025, both Sungshin Women’s University in Seoul and Gwangju Women’s University in Gwangju were thrown into chaos by bomb threats? Early that morning, staff at both universities discovered emails claiming that dynamite had been planted on their campuses. The messages threatened explosions in the early hours of July 5, but were only found after the weekend, leading to immediate evacuations and a massive police response. For several hours, students and staff waited anxiously while police and bomb squads searched the campuses. Thankfully, no explosives were found, but the fear and confusion left a lasting mark on everyone involved.

Who Sent the Threats? The Shadow of Anti-Feminist Groups

The emails were signed by someone claiming to be a member of 'Namseongyeondae,' an anti-feminist group known for opposing women’s rights policies in Korea. The sender’s message included misogynistic statements, such as 'women do not need education.' This has led investigators to suspect a hate crime specifically targeting women’s universities. The police are treating the cases at both Sungshin and Gwangju as likely the work of the same individual, given the identical timing and content of the emails. Digital forensics teams are now tracing the sender’s IP address and analyzing CCTV footage around the campuses to identify the perpetrator.

Community Reactions: Fear, Anger, and Solidarity

The incident quickly became a hot topic on major Korean online communities like DC Inside, Nate Pann, Instiz, and FM Korea. Many posts expressed shock and fear, with users sharing real-time updates and speculating about the sender’s motives. Some comments condemned the act as a clear example of misogynistic hate crime, while others worried about the growing polarization in Korean society. On Theqoo, a popular comment read, 'This is not just a prank—it's terrorism against women.' On Naver and Daum, blog posts and news articles were flooded with messages of support for the affected students, as well as calls for stronger action against hate crimes.

How Did the Universities Respond?

Both Sungshin and Gwangju Women’s Universities acted swiftly after discovering the threats. They immediately notified police, evacuated students and staff, and canceled all classes for the day. The universities also issued statements reassuring their communities that safety was their top priority. Student councils at several women’s universities—including Ewha, Sookmyung, and Duksung—joined together to release a joint statement denouncing the threats as misogynistic violence and demanding a thorough investigation. The universities have since reviewed their emergency protocols and increased campus security.

Cultural Context: Why Are Women’s Universities Targeted?

To understand why these threats struck such a nerve, it’s important to know the cultural context. Women’s universities in Korea have historically been both symbols of female empowerment and targets of backlash from anti-feminist groups. The group 'Namseongyeondae' has previously opposed policies like military service point abolition and gender equality initiatives. In recent years, online misogyny and anti-feminist sentiment have grown more visible, sometimes spilling over into real-world incidents. For international readers, it’s crucial to recognize that these events are not isolated, but part of a broader social debate about gender roles and equality in Korea.

Media and Blog Coverage: A Heated Debate

Major news outlets such as Chosun Ilbo, Hankyoreh, Seoul Shinmun, Yonhap News, and KBS covered the incident extensively, highlighting the swift police response and the absence of actual explosives. Naver and Tistory blogs provided more personal perspectives, with students sharing their experiences of evacuation and anxiety. Many bloggers criticized the normalization of misogynistic rhetoric online and called for systemic changes to protect women’s safety. The incident has reignited debates about hate crimes, freedom of expression, and the responsibilities of online platforms in curbing extremist content.

Online Community Voices: Positive and Negative Reactions

On DC Inside and FM Korea, some users downplayed the incident as a 'sick joke,' while others argued that such threats should be prosecuted as terrorism. On Instiz and PGR21, the dominant sentiment was one of solidarity with the students and anger at the perpetrator. A representative comment from Nate Pann read, 'We can’t let hate win. The police must find and punish the sender.' However, some negative reactions questioned whether the incident was being exaggerated for political purposes, reflecting the deep divisions in Korean online discourse.

What’s Next? The Ongoing Investigation and Social Impact

As of June 13, 2025, police are still investigating the case, focusing on digital evidence and possible connections to known anti-feminist groups. The incident has prompted renewed calls for stronger laws against hate crimes and better protection for students. Universities across Korea are reviewing their security measures and emergency response plans. Meanwhile, the broader conversation about misogyny, gender equality, and campus safety continues to evolve, with many hoping that this frightening episode will lead to meaningful change.

Why International Fans Should Care

If you’re an international reader or K-culture fan, this incident offers a window into the ongoing struggles for gender equality in Korea. Women’s universities are not just educational institutions—they’re cultural symbols and battlegrounds in the fight against misogyny. The passionate response from students, faculty, and online communities shows both the challenges and the resilience of those pushing for a safer, more inclusive society. Keeping an eye on these issues helps us understand the complexities of Korean society beyond K-pop and dramas.

Conclusion: Lessons from a Day of Fear and Solidarity

The bomb threats at Sungshin and Gwangju Women’s Universities were more than just a security scare—they were a stark reminder of the persistent dangers of hate and the importance of community solidarity. While no one was physically harmed, the psychological impact was profound. The incident has sparked important conversations about misogyny, campus safety, and the need for vigilance against hate crimes. As the investigation continues, many in Korea are calling for unity and action to ensure that such threats never become reality.