Sungkyunkwan University Cancels Actor Han Ji-sang's Teaching Appointment Amid Student Backlash

Sungkyunkwan University has rescinded its decision to appoint actor Han Ji-sang as an instructor in the Department of Performing Arts following student protests.

On March 8, the faculty of the Department of Performing Arts at Sungkyunkwan University released a statement titled 'Announcement of Instructor Change for Voice Class and Faculty Position'.

The faculty stated, "After discussions with the university administration and faculty meetings, we have decided to replace the instructor for the Voice class in the first semester of 2026." They explained, "The course is a required subject for first-year students. Due to the previous instructor being appointed as a full-time faculty member at another institution in February, the reappointment process was expedited. During this process, Han Ji-sang, an alumnus of the Department of Performing Arts, was recommended. His numerous awards, work experience, and passion for mentoring younger alumni were positively evaluated, leading to his final appointment after formal procedures."

The faculty acknowledged, "During the appointment review, past controversies involving Han Ji-sang were mentioned. However, it was noted that recent legal proceedings have repeatedly confirmed that there was no forced molestation, as stated in the indictment. The actor has suffered significant damage due to public opinion, and the faculty shared concerns about the societal tendency to irreparably damage a person's life over a single incident." Despite this, "After Han Ji-sang's appointment was made public, criticism arose on social media regarding the ethical issues of having him teach. On March 5, a related poster was put up at Sungkyunkwan University."

Additionally, "The removal of the poster without sufficient discussion among faculty and department members resulted in a lack of necessary communication with the students who would be directly affected. This highlighted the faculty's responsibility for not fostering a culture where diverse opinions can be freely and safely expressed within the Department of Performing Arts. The faculty is committed to establishing stricter standards and regular communication procedures to ensure students' educational rights." Furthermore, "The faculty pledges to address any issues if even a single student feels unsafe in the educational environment, and to lead education with stricter ethical standards and sensitivity."

Han Ji-sang debuted in 2003 with the play 'Tricycle' and has appeared in musicals such as 'Grease', 'Altar Boyz', 'Wandeugi', 'Frankenstein', 'Jesus Christ Superstar', 'Napoleon', 'Hourglass', and 'Devil'. He has also been part of dramas like 'Rosy Lovers', 'Welcome to Waikiki', 'Haechi', and 'Unlock My Boss'.

In early 2020, Han Ji-sang faced allegations of sexual harassment. His agency denied the claims, stating that he had been threatened by a woman, identified as A, to apologize for harassment or pay a large sum after their relationship soured. Han Ji-sang filed charges against A for attempted extortion and coercion, but the prosecution did not indict her.

Below is the announcement of the instructor change for the Voice class and the faculty's position statement from the Department of Performing Arts at Sungkyunkwan University.

The faculty of the Department of Performing Arts at Sungkyunkwan University announces that, after discussions with the university administration and faculty meetings, the instructor for the Voice class in the first semester of 2026 (Han Ji-sang) will be replaced. The course is a required subject for first-year students. Due to the previous instructor being appointed as a full-time faculty member at another institution in February, the reappointment process was expedited. During this process, Han Ji-sang, an alumnus of the Department of Performing Arts, was recommended. His numerous awards, work experience, and passion for mentoring younger alumni were positively evaluated, leading to his final appointment after formal procedures. During the appointment review, past controversies involving Han Ji-sang were mentioned. However, it was noted that recent legal proceedings have repeatedly confirmed that there was no forced molestation, as stated in the indictment. The actor has suffered significant damage due to public opinion, and the faculty shared concerns about the societal tendency to irreparably damage a person's life over a single incident. Despite this, after Han Ji-sang's appointment was made public, criticism arose on social media regarding the ethical issues of having him teach. On March 5, a related poster was put up at Sungkyunkwan University. The removal of the poster without sufficient discussion among faculty and department members resulted in a lack of necessary communication with the students who would be directly affected. This highlighted the faculty's responsibility for not fostering a culture where diverse opinions can be freely and safely expressed within the Department of Performing Arts. The faculty is committed to establishing stricter standards and regular communication procedures to ensure students' educational rights.

Furthermore, the faculty pledges to address any issues if even a single student feels unsafe in the educational environment, and to lead education with stricter ethical standards and sensitivity.

March 8, 2026
Department of Performing Arts
Faculty Members

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr