"Why Assign Such Trivial Tasks?" Teacher's 'Verbal Abuse' in Response to Jeonnam Provincial Council Member's Data Request

A controversy has arisen as a claim surfaced that a frontline teacher in Jeonnam region responded with verbal abuse to a data request from a Jeonnam Provincial Council member.

Jang Eun-young, Jeonnam Provincial Council member (Democratic Party of Korea, proportional representation), asserted on the 9th during the 369th extraordinary session that “she was subjected to verbal abuse by a health teacher in Jeonnam region when requesting data to secure female students' health rights.”

Jang Eun-young, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member

Councilor Jang expressed displeasure, saying, “Teacher A called directly and shouted, ‘Why are you requesting absurd data and making me do trivial tasks?’”

She continued, “The teacher raised her voice in a high-handed manner, saying it was difficult to fully satisfy the students’ demands, and that health teachers were burned out due to COVID-19. She also demanded that the councilor conduct the investigation herself while raising her voice regarding the request for hygiene product data.”

She added, “If a teacher verbally abuses a councilor who conveys the opinions of students and parents, I worry about how she might have treated ordinary parents or students. I urge the Provincial Office of Education to take corrective measures and prevent recurrence.”

Councilor Jang also requested a public apology, stating that Teacher A even made threatening remarks saying she would call again and to wait.

In response, Deputy Superintendent Hwang Seong-hwan said, “It is true that the workload of health teachers has increased due to COVID-19. Health teachers are fundamentally dedicated to students,” and added, “The pointed remarks were made by some health teachers, not representing all, and clearly crossed the line.”

He further stated, “I believe there was a misunderstanding between parties, and if given time, we will strive to resolve the issue.”

Meanwhile, Councilor Jang Eun-young requested data from frontline schools last year during the administrative audit and in the February work report, reflecting the opinions of parents and students regarding the distribution and stocking status of female hygiene products in schools.