Musical Actor Han Ji-sang's Teaching Appointment Withdrawn Amid Student Protests Over Past Allegations

Musical actor Han Ji-sang, aged 43, was set to take on a teaching role but quietly stepped down following student protests.

According to a report on the 9th, Han Ji-sang was recently appointed as an instructor in the Department of Performing Arts at Sungkyunkwan University. However, students strongly opposed his appointment due to past sexual harassment allegations, using social media and posters to demand the withdrawal of his appointment. The faculty held an emergency meeting and decided to rescind the appointment.

On the 8th, the faculty of the Department of Performing Arts at Sungkyunkwan University issued a statement announcing, "After discussions with the university headquarters and faculty meetings, we have decided to replace the instructor for the 'Voice' class in the first semester of the 2026 academic year."

Initially, the 'Voice' class, a mandatory course for first-year students, was undergoing a reappointment process due to the previous instructor's departure. Han Ji-sang, an alumnus, was recommended during this process. The faculty decided on his appointment based on his awards and work in the field.

The faculty stated that they had reviewed Han Ji-sang's past allegations of forced molestation during the appointment process. They explained, "The judicial system proved that there was no forced molestation, and considering the prolonged damage Han Ji-sang suffered due to public opinion, we made our decision."

However, after the appointment was made official, student criticism grew. In response, the faculty promised, "If even one student feels unsafe, we will do our utmost to address the issue," and committed to "leading education with stricter ethical standards and sensitivity."

Meanwhile, Han Ji-sang, born in 1982, debuted in the play 'Tricycle' in 2003 and has been active as a musical actor since 2005. He is recognized as a talented actor in the musical industry, having appeared in three productions just last year.

Reporter Da-yeon Jeong, TenAsia light@tenasia.co.kr