Gwangju Office of Education Uncovers Illegal Operation of Early Childhood Facility by Alternative Institution... Administrative Measures Imposed

Society Without School Ties Urges "Registration Cancellation and Criminal Complaint"
Office of Education Says "Further Review Needed to Determine Legal Violation"

The Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education confirmed that an alternative education institution in its jurisdiction was illegally operating a facility for young children and issued administrative measures, including an order for correction and a fine. However, local educational and civic groups are protesting, arguing that "no criminal complaint or registration cancellation followed the violation of the Early Childhood Education Act" and criticizing the office for "neglecting its responsibilities as a supervisory authority."

Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education.

On October 16, the city office of education stated, "An alternative education institution affiliated with a religious group, registered as an elementary and secondary alternative education facility in the region, was found to be operating a facility for young children, which was confirmed to be illegal upon investigation. We have issued an order for facility modification and imposed a fine, and we plan to determine whether the Early Childhood Education Act was violated after further review."

Previously, the civic group "Society Without School Ties" called for the cancellation of registration and a criminal complaint, claiming that the institution violated the Early Childhood Education Act by operating illegally without kindergarten accreditation. The group criticized, "Even though illegal operations were confirmed, the office of education merely issued a correction order. This is a dereliction of duty as a supervisory authority."

The group also pointed out that this institution has a history of biased practices, including posting videos opposing the Student Human Rights Ordinance and the Anti-Discrimination Act, sharing videos of specific teaching materials, imposing religious beliefs, conducting ideological screening in teacher recruitment, and discriminating against students with disabilities. Nevertheless, the office of education closed the audit, citing the institution's explanations and partial deletion of materials as reasons, which the group criticized.

The group stated, "It is irresponsible to conclude a case with clear legal grounds for punishment merely with a guidance-level measure," and urged the immediate cancellation of the alternative education institution's registration and a criminal complaint regarding the illegal operations. They further warned, "If the office of education fails to carry this out, we will hold it accountable for dereliction of duty."

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