Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education to Support Cancellation of Ji Haebok's Dismissal and Reinstatement
by Kim Bokyung
Published 15 Apr.2026 18:09(KST)
Finalized Upon Acceptance of Court’s Mediation Proposal
“Administrative Measures for Ji Haebok’s Reinstatement”
The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education announced on April 15 that it will support the cancellation of the dismissal of former teacher Ji Haebok and facilitate her prompt reinstatement.
Previously, Ji reported a case of sexual violence at her school and was subsequently transferred to another school. She claimed that this transfer was a retaliatory measure against a whistleblower. Ji refused to report to her new school and was eventually dismissed. However, in January of this year, a court recognized her as a whistleblower and revoked her transfer.
The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education stated that it is currently pursuing a lawsuit to confirm the invalidation of Ji's dismissal in order to support her reinstatement.
In advance of the first hearing scheduled for April 17, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education submitted a preparatory document to the court on April 1, requesting that the matter be resolved smoothly and swiftly from the perspective of whistleblower protection.
On April 7, the office also submitted a preparatory document expressing its intention to accept the court’s mediation recommendation to cancel the dismissal.
Accordingly, on April 13, the court presented a mediation proposal aimed at canceling the dismissal, and requested both parties to submit their acceptance in writing within 14 days.
The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education stated, “If Ms. Ji Haebok's side accepts the mediation proposal, the recommendation will become final,” and added, “Accordingly, the dismissal of Ms. Ji Haebok will be canceled.”
The office further promised, “We will carry out all necessary administrative procedures without delay so that Ms. Ji Haebok, who has endured over two years of hardship and patience for the cancellation of her dismissal and reinstatement, can return to school as soon as possible.”
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