Statements at the Center of Controversy in Education
The president of the Korean Federation of Private Education Associations has made controversial remarks, suggesting that school teachers are less capable than private instructors.
According to reports from the education sector on the 27th, at a discussion held on the 22nd in the National Assembly titled "Expanding Choice Education with Local Governments for Spring School," Lee Yoo-won, the president of the Korean Federation of Private Education Associations, stated, "Isn't it true that when consumers choose, school teachers' abilities are inferior to those of private instructors?"
Before this remark, the president also mentioned the changing status of the teaching profession.
He stated, "In the past, elementary school teachers were considered the most stable job for women. However, the competition rate for teaching colleges has recently plummeted." He added, "Now, teaching has entered the '3D (Difficult, Dirty, Dangerous)' category."
Strong Backlash from Teacher Organizations
As this statement was belatedly revealed, teacher organizations issued statements and expressed strong opposition.
The Korean Federation of Teachers' Associations (KFTA) said, "This remark implying that teachers are less capable than private instructors is a regrettable statement stemming from a misunderstanding of the value of public education and a lack of philosophical grounding regarding the role of teachers." They urged an immediate apology, stating that disparagement of teachers and damage to their pride is serious.
The National Elementary School Teachers' Union also condemned the remarks, stating, "This is a disgraceful statement that insults the professionalism and honor of all teachers in the Republic of Korea, fundamentally misunderstanding the essence of education."
Furthermore, they asserted, "By simply comparing teachers to private instructors and belittling them, it clearly shows how they are viewing education." They demanded that the Ministry of Education and the education offices should not remain silent in the face of the disparaging remarks made by the head of the private education organization.
The Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU) also criticized the statement as being based on a shallow educational philosophy that perceives public education as merely a consumer product.
This controversy has escalated beyond mere backlash against one statement, evolving into a fundamental debate about the value of public education and the role of teachers.
Amid rising voices in the education sector about the burden and improvement of teachers' working conditions, concerns are being raised that this remark may undermine teachers' pride.
Image source: Lee Yoo-won, President of the Korean Federation of Private Education Associations / News1, reference images for understanding the article / tvn 'Black Dog', reference images for understanding the article / tvn 'Graduation'
