The controversy surrounding the proposed merger with Hanbat National University began in February 2022. Over the past year, seminars and surveys have been conducted to promote the planned merger and convince school members to approve it, and the school continues to argue for the completion of the merger with Hanbat National University. On April 6, the president of the university stated that the school will push ahead with its plan to submit an application for the "Glocal University 30" reform program based on its merger plan. In response, the Student Council replied, "The appropriateness of government discourse and reform doesn't mean that the university can push ahead with the proposed merger without the approval of school community members." This prompts the question: Why does the university persistently advocate for the merger with Hanbat National University, despite widespread opposition? How do school members, including students and professors, regard the proposed merger?

According to an explanation and Q&A session during the Student Body-University headquarters conference on Glocal University 30, there are two reasons why the school insists on the merger. The school seems to consider the merger as necessary to receive adequate financial support from the government. Almost all of CNU's current business operations are supported by financial aid from the government. Eighty percent of its financial assistance for our school is associated with the Glocal business. To be selected as a Glocal University, the school should submit internal and external reform plans. University headquarters argue that the "proposal to merge with Hanbat National University" must be submitted as an external reform plan. Since it has been discussed for a long time, it is beneficial to submit it, thereby improving our competitiveness for selection as a Glocal University. Also, they insist that a merger between the universities is necessary as the number of students continues to fall. Furthermore, it will be beneficial to the local community and promote the brand value of the school.

In contrast, most students and some professors criticize the university headquarters, saying that they are just painting a pretty picture of the merger. They still oppose the merger. More specifically, 96.3% of students have expressed opposition to the merger. Why do they oppose it? Most students and professors argue that the university has not approached the merger process in a democratic and transparent manner. The 53rd president of the student body, Chae Jongkyu, emphasized this point. He once asked the university headquarters, "How could such a critical decision be made only by the people in the headquarters and by the college deans?" and, "The school had suggested that the proposal for the merger was inchoate; nevertheless, how could eight out of nine organizations agree with it?" Professor Chae Inho, speaking on behalf of a concerned group of professors, suggests that relevant organizations and faculty responsible for selecting a university president have neglected their roles. He further notes that the association of deans seems to only care about its relationship with the university president. He also said that faculty is uninfluential, and more information should have been made available to ensure a healthy public opinion climate.

University headquarters strongly promote the advantages of merging with Hanbat National University. However, do not be alarmed. They emphasized that the merger will not proceed without the approval of school members.

If you are concerned about the merger with Hanbat University, you should explain to others why you disagree with it. By speaking out, you can actively participate in the conversation and debate. You can attend seminars or simply read articles, and then you will gain knowledge of support to complete the merger. Then you can judge if the merger if the merger is realistically beneficial. An active communication among society members is a necessary condition of a democratic society.