Heo Eun-ah: "The Office of Education and Jeon-gyo-jo Have No Right to Talk About Teachers' Authority"

Amid controversies over the decline of teacher authority following the death of an elementary school teacher in Seoul and a series of teacher assault incidents, the education authorities are preparing measures to restore teacher rights. In this context, Heo Eun-ah, a member of the People Power Party, mentioned the 'School Me Too' issue at Gwangju D Girls' High School and criticized, saying, "Local education offices and the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU) have no right to talk about teacher authority."

On the 27th, Representative Heo held a press conference at the National Assembly and revealed a letter from the teacher involved in the Gwangju D Girls' High School School Me Too case, stating, "When teachers were treated like criminals based solely on students' one-sided testimonies, no one from the education authorities stepped forward."

Representative Heo said, "In July 2018, the teacher suddenly became the target of the School Me Too movement through a survey of students. Without even having a chance to present their side, they faced unilateral separation measures and suspension from their position," adding, "After a long struggle, the teacher won all administrative lawsuits in the first trial, second trial, and Supreme Court, and also won the civil lawsuit for salary reimbursement, but the deep scars from having to endure the stigma of being labeled a sex offender remain."

Heo pointed out that during this process, the education authorities and the KTU neglected the teacher. He said, "The school was quick to discipline the teacher, and the Gwangju education authorities completely ignored the situation. When the teacher visited the local KTU branch, the only advice they received was to 'stay quiet,'" adding, "Moreover, even the salary reimbursement, which was confirmed by a recent final ruling, has not been properly returned."

He then emphasized the need to closely examine the current system to restore teacher authority. Representative Heo said, "Although the social discussion began with the tragic death of one teacher, we cannot say that we have fulfilled the responsibility of the bereaved by merely amending one ordinance," adding, "The awareness of on-site teachers is much greater and deeper than this. Even if the Child Abuse Act and School Violence Act are amended, the key is how these changes are made."

He also indirectly criticized the government's efforts to amend the Student Human Rights Ordinance to restore teacher authority. He said, "When news breaks out about teachers using excessive corporal punishment, the Student Human Rights Ordinance is strengthened, and when teacher authority becomes an issue, countermeasures are taken, repeating only temporary fixes," adding, "It is time to focus on reforming the essence, not immature patchwork."

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