Parents Claim "Big Impact on Children"
Netizens Criticize "Can't Even Mourn?"
A teacher at an elementary school in Seocho-gu, Seoul, was found to have taken their own life on campus, sparking a wave of mourning among teachers nationwide. Amid this, a story emerged about a teacher who changed their messenger profile picture to a memorial image and was then criticized by a parent.
The writer, presumed to be a teacher named A, shared a text message received from a parent on the anonymous workplace community 'Blind' on the 20th.
Earlier, A had set a black ribbon photo symbolizing mourning as their messenger profile picture. The photo included the message: "23.07.18 We deeply mourn the teacher who passed away at a young age. We pray for the deceased's happiness in the afterlife."
Subsequently, a parent contacted A, saying, "The teacher's profile picture might have a negative impact on the students," and added, "I reached out because it doesn't seem appropriate to show mourning for an incident whose facts have not yet been confirmed." The parent also pointed out, "Do you realize that your actions have a significant influence on young children?"
As this story spread, netizens responded with comments such as "Setting a profile picture is a personal freedom," "Teachers really have one of the toughest jobs. Can't even mourn freely," and "Teachers are also precious family members to someone."
Teacher Who Took Own Life at Seocho-gu Elementary School... "Cause of Death Under Investigation"
On the morning of the 20th, chrysanthemums and memorial messages were placed in abundance in front of an elementary school in Seocho-gu. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Meanwhile, homeroom teacher B (23) at an elementary school in Seocho-gu, Seoul, was found dead inside a classroom on the morning of the 18th. It is understood that B took their own life.
The Seoul Teachers' Union stated in a press release the day before, "The deceased's death is not unrelated to the current system where homeroom teachers alone must fully handle complaints from parents," and urged, "We call on the education office and the Ministry of Education to respond sincerely with a heavy heart."
Regarding this, Seoul Superintendent of Education Cho Hee-yeon said on Facebook, "The school immediately reported the incident to the police, and the police are currently investigating to determine the exact cause of death."
Superintendent Cho added, "The cause of death has not yet been determined. We earnestly ask for consideration of the shock the school community is experiencing until the investigation results are released," and explained, "The education office is seeking measures to support the psychological and emotional stability of the school community and to assist in the normal educational activities of the school."
※ If you or someone around you is struggling with difficult issues such as depression, you can receive 24-hour professional counseling through the Suicide Prevention Hotline 1393, Mental Health Counseling 1577-0199, Lifeline 1588-9191, Youth Hotline 1388, the youth mobile counseling app 'Da Deureojul Gae,' KakaoTalk, and other channels.
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