Where there used to be the Grand Auditorium, which added classical beauty to the Korea University (KU) campus, there is now a building under construction. In contrast to the ambition to remodel it for the better, the construction has revealed a chronic problem that frequently occurs at KU; lack of communication between students and the school.

Ever since its completion in 1957, the Grand Auditorium has been an ideal place for students who practice one or more of the performing arts. In fact, it not only accommodated students of clubs such as Terra and the Pungmul Band but also the smaller clubs that are within each department. “For us, the Grand Auditorium is more than a place for practicing because every time we pass there, we recall our efforts and the time we have spent there, preparing for the play. It is also important in that we can put our stage props there,” said Kwon Myeon Chul (’13, Chinese Language and Literature), current leader of the Russian Drama Club.

However, the need for a new Grand Auditorium became highlighted due to safety problems. As it was constructed of wood, the constant danger of collapse has been cited. Moreover, the ceiling leaked on rainy days, and there was no air conditioning. The old facilities inside the building were in need of updating as well. Indeed, students were not provided with the best circumstance to stay in. Consequently, it was five years ago that it was decided to tear the whole building down.

There were many unclear assumptions about the future of Grand Auditorium including which predicted it to be reformed into SK Building. However, considering its long history and tradition, it  was decided that the new Grand Auditorium, would be as alike the original as possible. After construction, it had been planned to house study rooms and classrooms.

That change in the building’s purpose has left many KU students less than happy. Posters deploring the lack of space for students were posted on the walls and students were gathered up to report the matter. “I have no idea where we are supposed to practice in the future,” said Kwon. In fact, according to Chungchunchatki (Finding Youth), the student association of Liberal Arts Department, construction began without future plans for the building being completely disclosed to students.

Due to such objection, the Grand Auditorium was recently decided to maintain its original purpose of accommodating students. It should be noted that this was not the first time that a lack of communication between students and the school administration has caused conflicts. In fact, a tennis court that had been available to students was closed despite their protests and currently rumor. regarding the Aekinung student union have spread among students and are causing anxiety.

The construction of the Grand Auditorium was originally to be finished in November, but that is again uncertain. For all KU students to become satisfied with their campus life, better communication seems to be required between them and the school.