Gwangju Civic Groups Say "Saluting at School Events... Anti-Human Rights"

In some high schools in Gwangju, there have been criticisms that shouting slogans and giving salutes during events such as entrance ceremonies, citing tradition, is inhumane.

The Citizens' Group for a Society Without Academic Elitism in the Gwangju area stated in a press release on the 29th that it was confirmed that students at two high schools in Gwangju salute the principal and others during events such as entrance ceremonies.

The group pointed out, "The custom of students standing in orderly rows and giving salutes was only present during the era when military training was part of the regular school curriculum, but it has almost disappeared as social democratization has progressed. This custom is a remnant of the Japanese colonial period combined with military culture."

They continued, "Training to act in perfect unison under a single slogan or symbol fits the command norms emphasized in the military and does not align with the educational environment that should aim for relationships based on diversity and mutual respect. This is clearly an anti-educational behavior, comparable to corporal punishment."

They also stated, "The Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education should supervise the discontinuation of the salute custom, which has been maintained under the pretext of school tradition, and foster a school culture that respects students' individuality and diversity."

Meanwhile, the school in question reportedly plans to maintain the salute tradition in the future, as it has been continued for 50 years since the school's founding.