South Korea's Outlawed Student Group

The Hanchongryon (Korea Federation of University Student Councils) was once described as South Korea's most popular but "now most vilified student group."

In a 2003 Associated Press article, the leftist organization was said to be outlawed in 1997 for being "enemy benefiting" by virtue of its promotion of reconciliation with North Korea.

"Now, with many of its members on the run and a new government in Seoul seeking better ties with the North, a battle is brewing on whether to lift that ban," the article noted, adding that since 1997, 735 members had been arrested.

Supporters view the group as a scrappy band of college idealists, while critics saw its members as "unrepentant emissaries of a communist threat."

Critics argued that due to tensions over North Korea's nuclear programs, it was not time yet to revise Hanchongryon's status. They also point out that the group should first renounce its often violent past before any leniency can be granted.

Others noted that since Hanchongryon still sympathizes with the North, any move to lift its ban without a national consensus "would be a dangerous idea."

An interesting slice of information, given how the South had been trying to work its sunshine magic when it comes to its dealings with its Northern neighbor. While government-to- government contacts are still largely portrayed as oozing with good will, students who sympathize with the North are still deemed to be subversive. A bit of an irony there.