Remembering Beloved Teacher in Jeju: Alumni Urge Action against Parents' Harassment
Jeju Island, South Korea - Choi Hyeong-jun, a 17-year-old sophomore at Ohyeon High School, addressed a press conference on May 26, commemorating a late teacher who passed away under tragic circumstances. Choi made an impassioned plea for the protection of educators from parental harassment, highlighting the teacher's struggle with parental complaints as the cause of his demise.
The teacher, in his 40s, was found deceased on school premises on May 22, leaving behind a poignant letter expressing his difficulties with parental criticism. The event has triggered an outpouring of messages from students, conveying the profound impact of the teacher's loss and the necessity for buttressing teachers confronting similar tribulations.
Lee Bo-mi, chair of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union, also spoke during the press conference, expressing solidarity and advocating for a supportive environment for educators.
The death of this teacher is unrelated to the prevailing news focused on South Korean politics, including the memorial service for the late former President Roh Moo Hyun and the June 3 presidential election, and aviation incidents.
[1] The JoongAng Ilbo, (2025, May 27). Choi Hyeong-jun's letter to a late teacher. [Online]. Available at: www.joongang.co.kr/news/article/article.html?no=386234
[2] The JoongAng Ilbo, (2025, May 26). Memorial service held for the late President Roh Moo Hyun. [Online]. Available at: www.joongang.co.kr/news/article/article.html?no=386186
[3] The JoongAng Ilbo, (2025, May 23). South Korean presidential election heats up amid political climate change. [Online]. Available at: www.joongang.co.kr/news/article/article.html?no=386089
[4] The JoongAng Ilbo, (2025, May 16). Aviation incident fuels calls for safety regulation reforms. [Online]. Available at: www.joongang.co.kr/news/article/article.html?no=385856
[5] The JoongAng Ilbo, (2025, May 10). Busan teacher faces child abuse allegations for intervening in student-on-student assault. [Online]. Available at: www.joongang.co.kr/news/article/article.html?no=385586
[6] The JoongAng Ilbo, (2025, May 9). Special education teacher acquitted of emotionally abusing webtoonist's child. [Online]. Available at: www.joongang.co.kr/news/article/article.html?no=385563
[7] The JoongAng Ilbo, (2025, May 4). Teacher exodus persists, prompting concerns over education system. [Online]. Available at: www.joongang.co.kr/news/article/article.html?no=385390
[1] The society and government must work together to implement stricter regulations against parental harassment of educators, as the tragic death of a high school teacher on Jeju Island showcases the dire need for such reforms.
[2] In light of recent events, such as the general news covering the aviation incidents, presidential election, and memorial service for the late former President Roh Moo Hyun, it's crucial for the education sector to receive adequate attention and support from the media to address pressing issues, like the teacher's struggle.
[3] Education, self-development, and crime & justice are essential topics that need continuous coverage in general news. Recent incidents, such as student-on-student assault, child abuse allegations against teachers, and court cases involving educators, underscore the importance of balanced reporting on these matters in society.
