창원대 과기원 전환... 학내 갈등 넘어 도지사 선거 뇌관으로 / KNN

#KNNNews #ChangwonUniversity #ScienceandTechnologyInstitute #Conversion #Governor #Election [Anchor] Changwon National University is in turmoil ahead of the local elections. The controversy is spreading far and wide following the announcement of a pledge to convert the university into the Gyeongnam Institute of Science and Technology. Reporter Jeong Gi-hyeong reports. [Reporter] Professors from Changwon National University gathered in front of the campaign headquarters of Park Wan-su, the People Power Party candidate for Governor of South Gyeongsang Province. They are protesting the pledge to convert Changwon University into the Gyeongnam Institute of Science and Technology. They are raising their voices, calling it an attempt to effectively dismantle Changwon University. {Lee Geon-hyeok / Professor, Department of Media Communication / I believe this is an attempt to dismantle Changwon University by abandoning and ignoring the responsibilities of higher education and throwing it away...} The conversion to the Gyeongnam Institute of Science and Technology has been officially pursued by the current President, Park Min-won, since 2024. Changwon University remains silent, stating that it is difficult to offer an opinion on a local election candidate's pledge. However, following the announcement of the pledges, an on-campus briefing session was even held regarding the conversion to a science and technology institute. The controversy is escalating as pledges for development around Changwon University are emerging, taking advantage of the election. Pledges to develop the area around Changwon University and Changwon Central Station into a major commercial district—a staple in various elections—are resurfacing. However, there is significant criticism that these plans lack feasibility, as the area is a restricted development zone. {Song Gwang-tae / Professor Emeritus, Department of Public Administration, Changwon University / I believe that continuing to develop that area further could lead to reckless development, and that it should be preserved for future generations.} In any case, there is an underlying concern that Changwon University is shrinking in size without any tangible benefits. There is also a view that this is an attempt to destabilize Changwon University in order to push for merger discussions with Gyeongsang National University. In particular, as Candidate Kim Kyung-soo, who designed the policy to create 10 Seoul National Universities, faces off against Candidate Park Wan-soo, who mentioned integration in 2023, analysts suggest that the future of Changwon University hinges on the election results. This is Jung Ki-hyung from KNN. Video Coverage: Kwon Yong-guk, Jung Chang-wook; Video Editing: Kim Beom-jun Tip-offs KakaoTalk: Add 'KNN' as a friend Email: [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.knn.co.kr Search: KNN