With the rising temperatures in Korea, universities all over the nation are hosting their yearly festivals, attracting large numbers of students, supporters, and the general public.
Despite the excitement and anticipation, controversy has arisen at Hanyang University due to alleged human rights constraints placed on individuals waiting in line for the festival.
The second day of the university’s festivities featured a lineup of popular groups, including CRAVITY, Choi Yena, and BSS, making it a star-studded event.
Despite their early arrival, both fans and outsiders were met with more than just excitement and anticipation when they flocked to the venue in the morning. Instead, they were faced with frustration and anger while waiting in line to secure coveted seats for the performances.
Is Erica crazy? People in line are told not to go to the bathroom. If they come back from the bathroom, they are asked to leave and go to the back. LOL. People who are on their periods are no exception. Are you kidding me?
— 부좌 (@gwanggom) May 29, 2024
There were reports of staff members implementing strict regulations on essential human needs, specifically pertaining to bathroom breaks. SEVENTEEN had brought up the issue, and member Hoshi addressed it with a post on Weverse.
Hosingya ㅠㅠ pic.twitter.com/9pI0OXyVzs
— SC7 (@SVT_SC7) May 29, 2024
Allegedly, people waiting for the festival were told that they could not use the restroom after 7:30 AM, and anyone who disobeyed this rule would face severe consequences.
I stood in line in the middle of the night! Around 6 in the morning, I had to tell people in line not to go to the bathroom after 7:30 or they would have to stand in line again! If I said I was going to the bathroom at 10:30, I would have to stand in line again! The staff kept asking me to go to the bathroom. I’m not saying don’t do it, but they keep saying that if you go to the bathroom, there will be safety issues #Hanyang University ERICA Festival
— SC7 (@SVT_SC7) May 29, 2024
According to reports, regardless of the situation, individuals who left the line for a bathroom break would be sent to the end of the queue.
The severity of these restrictions has incited outrage among attendees, with numerous individuals expressing disbelief and anger over what they view as a violation of their rights.
Is this contradictory bullshit?😉The fans standing in line here are all giving their opinions, but the staff is not listening. pic.twitter.com/0CeiccJDp
— SC7 (@SVT_SC7) May 29, 2024
A person, who had been waiting in line since the late hours of the night, shared their surprise upon being informed that they couldn’t use the restroom without facing consequences.
As more reports emerged indicating that these restrictions were also enforced on menstruating individuals, concerns about discrimination and neglect for basic bodily needs were amplified, further intensifying the controversy.
Is Erica crazy? People in line are told not to go to the bathroom. If they come back from the bathroom, they are asked to leave and go to the back. LOL. People who are on their periods are no exception. Are you kidding me?
— 부좌 (@gwanggom) May 29, 2024
Some critics contend that these policies not only violate basic human rights, but also display a lack of empathy and understanding on the part of the university administration.
The situation was exacerbated when it was discovered that tickets to the festival were being sold to non-participants for 10,000 KRW (~$7.33 USD), further fueling the anger of those who believed they were being unfairly treated despite having purchased their tickets.
Online platforms were flooded with comments from netizens expressing their frustration, as many questioned the motives of the university and condemned their treatment of paying attendees.
Despite the backlash, Hanyang University has not yet released an official statement addressing the accusations.
In light of increasing public outcry and mounting criticism, the university may be forced to address the situation and reevaluate its policies to ensure that all attendees are treated fairly and respectfully.
It’s really too much. Do they think that’s possible?😤
— Ar🍒 (@jjujjuyi) May 28, 2024
Despite the ongoing festival season, the controversy at Hanyang University serves as a crucial reminder that it is essential to uphold fundamental human rights and dignity, even during times of festivities and enjoyment.
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