Controversy Over Jeonbuk Education Superintendent Kim Seung-hwan's Remarks

"Human Pain and Legal Responsibility Are Separate"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Geon-ju] Kim Seung-hwan, Superintendent of Education in Jeonbuk, has sparked controversy by hinting at legal action instead of apologizing for the late teacher Song at the 10th anniversary press conference of his inauguration.

On the 2nd, Superintendent Kim held a 10th anniversary press conference at the large conference room of the Provincial Office of Education.

At this event, Superintendent Kim referred to the “court ruling recognizing Teacher Song’s death in the line of duty,” stating, “Human pain and legal responsibility are separate,” and warned of legal action by saying, “If the Personnel Innovation Office appeals, we will participate in the lawsuit as an auxiliary party.”

In response to these remarks, educational organizations such as the Jeonbuk Education Autonomy Citizens’ Coalition and the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (JeonGyoJo) have criticized him through statements, saying, “Superintendent Kim is killing the bereaved family and Teacher Song twice.”

These organizations argued, “We should humbly accept the court ruling (which recognized the death of the late Teacher Song, who made a decisive choice due to extreme stress during the investigation process, as a death in the line of duty) and offer a sincere apology to the bereaved family first,” adding, “The 10th anniversary catchphrase, ‘The heart of Jeonbuk education is still hot,’ feels shameful.”

The late Teacher Song, who was a teacher at Buan Sangseo Middle School, was found dead on August 5, 2017, in a storage shed at his home in Gimje City, Jeonbuk. A note was found at the scene saying, “I am sorry to my family and everyone.”

At the time of the incident, Teacher Song was under investigation by the Student Human Rights Center for corporal punishment and sexual harassment allegations involving students. The police at the time judged that although there was light physical contact with students, it was not sexual assault.

Regarding this, the bereaved family expressed anger, stating that “the coercive investigation by the Student Human Rights Center drove the deceased to death.” Accordingly, the family filed a complaint with the Jeonju District Prosecutors’ Office against 10 people, including the Deputy Superintendent of Jeonbuk Office of Education and officials from the Student Human Rights Center, on charges such as abuse of authority. The prosecution dismissed the case, stating that “it is difficult to hold criminal responsibility.”

Angered by the ruling, the bereaved family claimed survivor benefits from the Personnel Innovation Office, but their claim was rejected. The family then filed a lawsuit against the head of the Personnel Innovation Office, and on the 19th of last month, the Administrative Court’s Administrative Division 3 in Seoul ruled in favor of the family. As a result, Teacher Song’s honor was restored three years after his passing.

However, Superintendent Kim, the head of the education sector, has caused controversy and criticism from educational organizations for making remarks hinting at legal action rather than showing empathy and sorrow for the educational community’s pain.

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