"Why Do People Play in the Sea?" ... South Gyeongsang Coed High School Teacher Sparks Controversy Over Sexually Inappropriate Remarks During Class

by Lee Seryeong

Published 09 Sep.2025 13:36(KST)

Gyeongnam Office of Education. Photo by Lee Seryoung

A teacher at a coeducational high school in South Gyeongsang Province has sparked controversy after making sexually inappropriate remarks during class.

According to education authorities on September 9, a male teacher, referred to as Mr. A, at a coeducational high school in Gimhae made inappropriate comments during a mixed-gender physics class while explaining the periodic table of elements. He said, "Why do people play in the sea? It's for eye cleansing," and used the example of a woman whose swimsuit top had come off, among other inappropriate remarks.

Students filed a petition through the National Petition Board demanding a public apology from the teacher, a promise to prevent recurrence, and his immediate suspension from duty. The petition post spread across social networking services (SNS).

The school is conducting a fact-finding investigation according to relevant procedures and has reported the teacher to the police. The teacher is reportedly on medical leave.

The Gyeongnam Office of Education has formed a victim investigation committee, dispatched members from an external sexual violence counseling center, and is investigating the situation among all students.