‘Bae Isangheon... Citizen Group’ Urges Jang Hwiguuk, Gwangju Superintendent of Education, to Resign

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The Citizens' Group for Gender Equality Education and Protecting Bae Isangheon has called for the resignation of Jang Huiguk, Superintendent of Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education.

On the 29th, the citizens' group issued a statement demanding the resignation of Superintendent Jang, a thorough investigation by the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education, and swift investigations by the prosecution and police.

The organization stated, "It is devastating that the nepotism related to Superintendent Jang Huiguk was reported, and the bribery allegations, which had only been rumors, have now been confirmed," adding, "The citizens who expected the city of Gwangju, a city of democracy, human rights, and peace, to shine even brighter through the power of education have been deeply hurt."

They continued, "So far, the superintendent has either sternly denied or ignored various personnel irregularities and political fund bribery allegations, and even threatened legal action against civic groups raising these suspicions," asserting, "This is no longer the image of a progressive superintendent rooted in civil society."

Furthermore, "At the apology event on the 25th, not only did the spokesperson read the apology statement on his behalf, but there was no sincerity to be found in any aspect of the content," emphasizing, "Rather, the citizens of Gwangju could not hide their disappointment upon seeing this."

The group firmly stated, "Misuse of the personnel system or acceptance of money from those with work-related connections is a clear personal corruption, not an error in performing the superintendent's duties, so we do not understand why an apology statement is issued through a spokesperson," adding, "The person involved avoided meetings with the media and hid their face while abusing the public organization as a private tool."

They also questioned, "The apology statement contains no apology, claiming no wrongdoing, only that the issue was reported as soon as it was discovered, and since it became controversial, they accept it as a fault of incompetence," asking, "Is this the image of the Superintendent of Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education?"

They further claimed, "Superintendent Jang has repeatedly requested investigations into teachers based solely on unverified 'reports,' and even dismissed or expelled teachers who were acquitted or found not guilty for violating the duty to maintain dignity," adding, "In the case of the Bae Isangheon incident, suspension was enforced without any verification based only on complaints and reports, and the person involved is currently holding a picket in front of the education office for over 12 months without any judgment."

Finally, they concluded, "The greatest devil in democracy is 'the person who considers themselves an exception.' Superintendent Jang can no longer be responsible for democratic civic education. Resign."

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