"Teacher's Day Cake, Only for Students, Not Teachers"... Education Office Notice Sparks Uproar

Improper Solicitation and Graft Act: Even Small Gifts Are Prohibited
Carnations and Snacks Also Principally Banned

Cake stock photo. Getty Images Bank

On the eve of Teacher's Day, confusion continues over the standards of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act—commonly referred to as the “Kim Young-ran Act.” In particular, a banner posted by the Gyeongsangbuk-do Office of Education providing guidance on the law has sparked controversy. The banner states, “Do not hand cakes to teachers during cake parties,” a notice that has drawn criticism for highlighting the disconnect between the regulations and the realities of the classroom.

The Gyeongsangbuk-do Office of Education recently posted a notice titled “Perfect Summary of the Confusing Improper Solicitation and Graft Act” on the teacher work portal, specifying the permissible scope of gifts related to Teacher's Day. According to the guidance, students may voluntarily organize cake parties, but sharing the cake with teachers or giving it to them separately is not allowed.

“Teachers should be left out of the Teacher's Day party?”... Heated Debate Online

As this directive became known, criticism spread online. Comments included, “What does it mean to exclude teachers from the Teacher's Day party?” “Are teachers just supposed to watch in silence?” and “Instead of being a day of gratitude, it will end up being a day that only creates distance.”

A banner regarding violations of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act on Teacher's Day posted by the Gyeongsangbuk-do Office of Education. Gyeongsangbuk-do Office of Education

Teachers themselves have also voiced their dismay. Reactions such as “Even a single flower or a slice of cake has now become a burden,” and “It’s no longer a day to receive thanks, but a day to be cautious to avoid misunderstandings,” reflect how the classroom atmosphere has changed since the law’s implementation.

Misconception: “It’s okay if it’s under 50,000 won”... The Key Standard Is ‘Job Relevance’

This is a result of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, which came into effect in 2016. The central standard of the law is “job relevance.” If a teacher, such as a homeroom or subject teacher, is directly responsible for evaluating or instructing a student, the relationship between the teacher and the student or parent is clearly considered a conflict of interest. In such cases, regardless of the amount, any gifts or food cannot be received or given.

Some still believe that gifts worth between 30,000 and 50,000 won are allowed, but this exception only applies where there is no job-related connection. It does not apply to current students and teachers. The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission has also clarified in a recent Q&A that “even a single carnation on Teacher's Day is, in principle, not permitted.” However, flowers or similar items presented by student representatives in a public setting may be exceptionally permitted in accordance with social norms.

The Only Permissible Form of Gratitude: A Handwritten Letter

In practice, the ways for students to express gratitude to teachers are extremely limited. The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission and the Ministry of Education recommend handwritten letters or thank-you cards as representative options.

On the other hand, when there is no current evaluative relationship—such as in the case of graduates or former teachers—gifts are permitted within certain limits. Even in these cases, the value must not exceed 50,000 won (or 150,000 won for agricultural or marine products), and gift certificates or mobile coupons are prohibited regardless of value.

Photo for Teacher's Day. Photo by Yonhap News

The Improper Solicitation and Graft Act was introduced to prevent improper solicitations and exchanges of money or gifts in the educational field. Since its implementation, there have been many positive assessments that the excessive culture of gift-giving among parents has disappeared and that relationships between teachers and parents have become more transparent.

However, some argue that the law, contrary to its original intent, overly restricts even expressions of gratitude, thereby dampening emotional exchanges within the educational community. In particular, they point out that even symbolic events such as Teacher's Day have become mere formalities, emphasizing the need to reflect on the gap between policy and reality.

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