Sungshin Women’s University Bomb Threat: Campus Evacuated, Classes Canceled, and a Nation Shocked

A Day of Panic: How the Threat Unfolded

Did you know that on July 7, 2025, Sungshin Women’s University in Seoul was thrown into chaos after a bomb threat email was discovered? The message, sent late at night on July 4, claimed that 10 kilograms of dynamite had been planted on campus and would detonate at 3:34 PM. The sender, identifying himself as a member of a men’s rights group, included misogynistic statements like 'Women don’t need education.' As soon as the email was confirmed by staff on Monday morning, the university notified police, leading to an immediate evacuation of all students and staff. Police, bomb squads, and sniffer dogs conducted a thorough search of the campus, but no explosives were found. The incident forced the cancellation of all classes and closure of campus facilities, leaving students and faculty in shock and fear.

Campus Lockdown: Emergency Response and Police Investigation

The university’s emergency protocols were put to the test. Within minutes of the threat being confirmed, announcements were made across campus, and everyone was ordered to evacuate. The Seoul Metropolitan Police deployed special forces, bomb disposal units, and canine teams to sweep every building. Roads around the campus were cordoned off, and a perimeter was established to ensure no one could enter or exit. The police also began tracing the email’s origin, working with cybersecurity experts to track the sender’s IP address. Although no actual explosives were found, the threat was taken extremely seriously, reflecting the heightened awareness of security in Korean universities after similar incidents in recent years.

Misogyny at the Center: Community and Student Reactions

The content of the threat email—specifically its misogynistic language—sparked outrage among students, faculty, and the wider public. The sender’s claim that 'women don’t need education' and his self-identification as a men’s rights activist led many to label the incident as a hate crime. Student councils from six women’s universities, including Ewha, Duksung, Dongduk, Seoul Women’s, and Sookmyung, issued a joint statement condemning the attack as a misogynistic crime and demanding stronger protection for women on campus. Online, Korean communities like TheQoo, Nate Pann, Instiz, Naver, Daum, DC Inside, FM Korea, and PGR21 were flooded with comments. Many expressed anger and fear, with representative posts saying, 'How can women feel safe at school anymore?' and 'This is terrorism, not just a prank.' Others criticized the slow response, asking why the email wasn’t discovered sooner.

International Perspective: Why Korean Women’s Universities Are Targeted

For international fans and readers, it’s important to understand the cultural context. Women’s universities in Korea have long been symbols of female empowerment and academic achievement. However, they have also become targets for online harassment and misogynistic attacks, especially from certain men’s rights groups that oppose gender equality initiatives. The recent bomb threat is not an isolated case; similar threats have been made against other women’s institutions, reflecting a broader societal debate about gender roles and safety. The incident at Sungshin Women’s University is a stark reminder of the challenges Korean women face in their pursuit of education and equality.

Media Coverage and Social Media Outrage

Korean news outlets covered the incident extensively, with more than ten major articles appearing within hours. Headlines highlighted the emergency evacuation, the scale of the police response, and the misogynistic nature of the threat. Naver and Tistory blogs were also active, with at least six prominent posts discussing the psychological impact on students and the need for better campus security. Social media hashtags like #성신여대_폭탄협박 (#SungshinBombThreat) and #여성대학_안전 (#WomenUniversitySafety) trended on Twitter and Instagram, with thousands of users expressing solidarity and demanding justice. International fans, especially those interested in Korean culture and gender issues, shared news and commentary, expressing shock and support for the affected students.

What Happens Next? The Ongoing Investigation and Calls for Change

As of June 13, 2025, the police are still investigating the origin of the threat. Digital forensics teams are analyzing email servers and CCTV footage to identify the perpetrator. The university has promised to strengthen security measures, including installing more surveillance cameras and enhancing emergency training for staff and students. Student groups are calling for legal reforms to classify such threats as serious hate crimes with harsher penalties. The incident has reignited national debates about misogyny, digital harassment, and the safety of women in educational spaces. For international observers, the Sungshin Women’s University bomb threat is a window into the ongoing struggles for gender equality and campus safety in South Korea.