As Controversy Over 'Sokot Bballae' Elementary Teacher Grows, Education Office Hastily Disciplines... Citizens Express Outrage

'Underwear Laundry' Homework Assigned by Elementary Teacher Sparks Controversy
"Education Office Response Inadequate, Lacking Gender Sensitivity" Criticism Continues
Experts Say "Education Authorities Need Proper Sexual Awareness"

Ulsan Metropolitan Office of Education Building Exterior / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, Intern Reporter Kang Joo-hee] A controversy has erupted after it was revealed that an elementary school teacher assigned students underwear laundry as homework and made sexual remarks, among other inappropriate behaviors. It has been pointed out that although the incident was initially reported once to the education office, no proper punishment was administered, which exacerbated secondary damage. Experts emphasize that to eradicate sexual exploitation issues within schools, the education authorities must first have a proper awareness of sexuality and respond cautiously.

The incident sparked controversy on the 27th when a post titled "Is the first-grade elementary school teacher normal?" was uploaded on an online community board. The author of the post, Mr. A, revealed that he had filed a complaint to the Education Support Office’s National Petition Board last month based on the incident, but nothing had changed.

According to the post, the Ulsan Gangbuk Education Support Office, which received the report, conveyed the teacher Mr. B’s position to Mr. A, stating, "The teacher prepared something meaningful for the new students who had not yet had an entrance ceremony, and left various comments about their appearances as compliments to boost the children’s spirits after seeing their photos."

They added, "The teacher did not realize that the comments could be perceived as appearance-centered or sexual expressions, but promised to refrain from making comments about appearance or physical traits in the future and to act cautiously so that students can establish proper values," as the result of their measures.

A post titled "Is the first-grade elementary school teacher normal?" criticized the problematic behavior of a teacher at an elementary school in Ulsan. The author reported the matter to the National Sinmungo, and received a response from the Ulsan Metropolitan Office of Education. Photo by Online Community Capture

As this fact became known, citizens criticized the education office’s complacent response. One netizen said, "The incident itself is shocking, but the Ulsan Education Office’s statement is even more shocking. Who compliments first graders by calling them 'sexy' to boost their spirits? I wouldn’t even say that easily to adult colleagues," and criticized, "The education office, which should be strict about teachers’ behavior, is instead defending the teacher’s immoral and unethical actions."

Some parents expressed anxiety and fear about sending their children to school. Parent C, who has children of similar age, said, "It’s infuriating and chilling that such a person exists in the educational environment teaching children taking their first steps into the world," and pointed out, "What angers me more is the education authorities’ attitude of trying to sweep this issue under the rug despite knowing about it."

As the controversy spread that day, the education office belatedly announced measures such as excluding teacher B from duties, changing the homeroom teacher, and deciding on disciplinary actions. However, it is pointed out that it is too late to avoid criticism of delayed response. Some voices also criticize the education institution’s measures for lacking gender sensitivity.

Experts emphasize that to eradicate sexual exploitation issues within schools, the education authorities must first have a proper awareness of sexuality and respond cautiously to complaints from victims.

Park Areum, an activist at the Korea Sexual Violence Counseling Center, said, "The education authorities’ response merely accepted the perpetrator’s excuses without considering the victim’s position," and added, "From the parents’ perspective, despite being aware of the problem and raising concerns, the education authorities receiving the complaints are not properly acknowledging these issues."

She continued, "Even though the school Me Too movement has continued since 2018, sexual exploitation targeting youth and children is still rampant within schools," and stressed, "This is not just an issue of a single perpetrator but a social and structural problem. We must not forget that such incidents have continued within schools."

She further added, "It is necessary to take follow-up measures such as strengthening teachers’ gender sensitivity education and to carefully consider and respond to how the education authorities approach and reply to complaints from victims."

Meanwhile, teacher B issued a statement that day, saying, "If the person who posted this was a parent of my class, they could have contacted me personally or through the band to give their opinion, and I could have changed the homework," and apologized, "Assigning the task without sufficient communication with parents was a mistake. I am sorry."

Mr. A, who received this statement, criticized, "The issue is not about changing the homework," and said, "It seems that teacher B does not recognize at all that their own behavior is problematic."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.