Teachers' unions including Jeon Gyo Jo demand "Withdraw the nomination of Education Minister candidate Park Soon-ae"

Suspicions of Drunk Driving History and Inflated Publication Records
"Disqualified Based on Existing Allegations"
"Nomination of Candidate Park Should Be Withdrawn and a Suitable Replacement Appointed"

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] The Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU) and teacher organizations have called for the withdrawal of Park Soon-ae's nomination as Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education.

On the 14th, KTU, the New School Network, and the Practical Education Teachers' Association issued a joint statement saying, "Park is unqualified based on the suspicions raised so far," adding, "With controversies over her qualifications as a non-expert unfamiliar with education, there is nothing more to expect."

The teacher organizations stated, "According to the disciplinary regulations for public officials regarding drunk driving, Park's blood alcohol concentration of 0.251% at the time of the incident warrants dismissal," and argued, "It is like giving the position of head overseeing education personnel to someone who could face disciplinary action equivalent to disqualification as an education official."

They continued, "Although she explained that the allegations of duplicate publication of papers do not violate regulations, previous education minister candidates have either voluntarily withdrawn or had their nominations revoked, so this is not an issue to be taken lightly," and pointed out, "There is also a conflict of interest controversy due to allegations that she concurrently served as an outside director of a private bank seeking contracts with public institutions while serving as head of the Public Institution Management Evaluation Team."

The teacher organizations said, "Following the appointment of a non-expert as Vice Minister of Education, and nominating unqualified candidates twice as Minister of Education," they "urge the withdrawal of Park's nomination and the appointment of a suitable person to resolve the pressing educational tasks."

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