Controversy Over 'Martial Law for Economic Development' Advocate in Elementary School Teaching Materials

In a sixth-grade class at an elementary school in Seoul, teaching materials used in the lesson have sparked controversy by justifying former President Park Chung-hee's declaration of martial law in connection with economic development.

According to a report by MBC on the 13th, a newspaper-style learning material was used in the sixth-grade class at the school at the end of last month.

The material opens with the declaration of martial law by former President Park Chung-hee in October 1972, titled "Strong Leadership Needed to Carry Out Economic Development Tasks."

The article in question includes the content stating, "As a result of the assessment that President Park Chung-hee's long-term rule and strong leadership were necessary for the development of heavy and chemical industries over a long period of ten years, martial law was declared."

This could give the impression that undemocratic measures such as martial law can be justified under the guise of economic development.

One parent, whose child attended the class, expressed concern, stating, "The children are accepting the idea that martial law was implemented for economic development as something that could happen. I believe this is a very significant issue."

Educational Materials Misaligned with Historical Facts

Historians point out that this material does not align with historical facts.

At the time of the declaration of the Yushin regime in October 1972, the rationale presented by former President Park Chung-hee did not include 'development of heavy and chemical industries.'

The book used as the basis for the material also contains the New Right historical perspective that "the Democratic Party government, which came to power after the April 19 Revolution, provided an excuse for martial law in 1961 due to factional disputes," adding to the controversy over historical distortion.

The controversial teaching material was produced by a group of elementary school teachers and is shared on an online teaching material site. It is believed to be used in various schools due to its high popularity.

This raises concerns about the spread of distorted historical perceptions in the educational field.

The teacher who conducted the class explained, "The lesson was conducted in a way that critically examined the articles from that era, and there was no intention to advocate the dictatorship or martial law of the Park Chung-hee government."

However, educational experts are questioning whether it is appropriate to present unconstitutional content to elementary school students and to require critical thinking.

Historian Jeon Woo-yong criticized, "Teaching elementary students content that is not factual and rationalizing the Yushin regime goes against our educational guidelines." He also expressed concerns about the educational approach, asking, "How can we tell elementary students to view such content critically?"

In response to the controversy, the teacher organization that produced the material stated, "The advocacy of martial law was unintended," and promised to promptly revise any content that could create misunderstandings.

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Image source: mbc, illustrative material for understanding the article / gettyimagesbank