"There Are Three Types of People in the World" Sparks Uproar in Mom Cafes Over Elementary School Newsletter

Photo by Screenshot from the broadcast

[Asia Economy Reporter Han-ah Na] A notice sent home from an elementary school in Mokdong, Seoul is facing criticism.

According to MBC on the 26th, an elementary school in Mokdong, Seoul sent a notice home to about 190 new students.

A 40-year-old office worker, Mr. A, was surprised after reading the notice. The notice, titled "Dear First Grade Children!", stated, "There are three types of people in the world: necessary people, people who are there but don’t really matter, and unnecessary people. Dear first grade children, what kind of person should we become?"

Mr. A said, "I was immediately scared, wondering if those who are not necessary would be left behind at school."

Criticism also poured in on the online community "Mom Cafe," where local mothers gather. Parents expressed discomfort in group chat rooms, saying, "Is the teacher categorizing students like that?"

Netizens who heard the news criticized the message, commenting, "A single word can have a big impact on children," and "This is not something to say to elementary school entrants."

As the controversy grew, the school deleted the problematic notice and posted an apology letter signed by the principal.

The school stated, "We apologize for causing concern due to inappropriate expressions," and added, "The intention was that everyone should become a valuable person."

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