Teacher Organizations Urge Suspension of 'Teacher-Elementary Student Romance' Drama Production

As news broke about the drama adaptation of the webtoon 'My Beloved Elementary School Student,' which revolves around romantic feelings between an elementary school student and a female teacher, teacher organizations voiced strong opposition.

On the 1st, the Korean Teachers' Organization (KTO) called for the halt of the production and airing of the 'My Beloved Elementary School Student' drama.

The KTO emphasized in a statement that "the attempt to sexualize children under the pretext of creativity and artistic originality cannot be justified." They particularly highlighted the special nature of the teaching profession, stating that "teachers are in a position that requires the establishment of trust with students and must dedicate themselves to education with a higher moral standard and professionalism than other professions."

The attempt to sexualize children cannot be justified.

The KTO criticized the narrative that exploits the teacher’s status to develop a romantic relationship with a minor student, arguing that it is "a clear glorification of grooming crimes that cannot be dismissed as romance or fantasy."

They also expressed concerns about the negative impact this drama could have on the education sector. The organization pointed out, "The subject matter of this drama will tarnish the honor of all educators dedicated to the educational field and lead to deep distrust towards the entire teaching community," and highlighted that it undermines the foundation of trust between teachers, students, and parents.

Furthermore, they warned that if such works are consumed as romance or fantasy, "it may dilute the seriousness of grooming crimes occurring in reality."

The KTO emphasized, "While we agree that creative freedom in culture and art must be adequately protected, content that depicts teachers as perpetrators of grooming crimes against students will undermine trust in educational environments."

Meanwhile, the controversial 'My Beloved Elementary School Student' is based on a webtoon of the same name.

The story depicts an elementary school female teacher who develops feelings for a user she meets in an online game, only to discover that this user is her own elementary student.

Image source: webtoon 'My Beloved Elementary School Student'