Mokpo Elementary School Teacher Habitually Assaulted 20 Students Saying "Why Don't You Listen"

A report was received that a homeroom teacher at an elementary school in Mokpo habitually verbally abused and physically assaulted about 20 students.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] The police have launched an investigation after a report was received that a first-grade homeroom teacher at an elementary school in Mokpo, Jeonnam, habitually verbally abused and physically assaulted about 20 students.

According to the Mokpo Office of Education on the 24th, Mr. A, a first-grade homeroom teacher at an elementary school in Mokpo, has habitually verbally abused and repeatedly hit the heads and shoulders of about 20 students under his supervision from early last month until recently.

Mr. A reportedly pushed students' heads and habitually struck their shoulders and backs, saying "They don't listen" while disciplining them.

Parents who learned of the assaults filed a complaint with the Office of Education on the 19th. The school confirmed the assault through Mr. A and requested a police investigation on the 21st.

Mr. A admitted to the assaults, saying, "My actions during the process of disciplining the children were somewhat excessive." The school immediately separated Mr. A from the students at the request of the affected parents and plans to hire a temporary teacher to serve as the interim homeroom teacher.

A parent of one of the affected students said, "I was very angry and shocked when I first learned about the assaults," adding, "Fortunately, the school's prompt follow-up measures, including separation and counseling for students and parents, are proceeding smoothly."

A school official stated, "We are looking for various support measures for the affected students," and added, "The teacher in question is currently hospitalized, claiming to be ill."