Overseas Trip Right After Heavy Rain... Criticism of Superintendent Lee Jungseon as "Inappropriate"

"Eight Overseas Trips in Three Years...
Achievement Must Be Evaluated"

After record-breaking heavy rain hit Gwangju, criticism has arisen over Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education Superintendent Lee Jungseon departing for an overseas business trip. There are concerns that, as the official responsible for local education, the superintendent should demonstrate a heightened sense of responsibility during a disaster situation.

Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education.

On July 25, the education and civic group "Citizens' Coalition for a Society Without Academic Cliques" stated, "We express our regret that Superintendent Lee pushed ahead with an overseas trip during a disaster period." Superintendent Lee departed for the United States on July 22. This was immediately after heavy rain struck Gwangju, and in some areas, the declaration of a disaster zone was even under consideration.

This trip is also part of Superintendent Lee's key pledge, the "Global Student Leader World Tour" project. The civic group pointed out, "Superintendent Lee has taken eight overseas trips during his three-year term, and six of them, including this one, were all related to student international exchange programs." They added, "Although he travels to the United States every year, the actual outcomes remain unclear."

The group continued, "President Lee Jaemyung instructed at the Cabinet meeting on July 22 to crack down on public officials who act irresponsibly at severe disaster sites," and added, "When even the leave of the head of the Korea Communications Commission was canceled, we must reconsider whether it was appropriate for the superintendent to travel abroad."

The civic group urged, "As the official with overall responsibility for local education, the superintendent must respond with even greater care during disaster situations," and continued, "We hope the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education thoroughly checks for any educational gaps caused by the heavy rain and responds proactively."

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