Controversy Over Ju Homin... Former Medical Association President Points Out "Negative Impact on the Future of Special Needs Children"

"Special Needs Teachers Are Professionals with Expertise"
"If Professionalism Declines, They Cannot Demonstrate Their Competence"

Webtoon artist Joo Ho-min's lawsuit against the special education teacher in charge of his 9-year-old son with autism spectrum disorder on charges of child abuse has drawn criticism from some in the medical community.

Webtoon artist Ju Homin. [Image source=Instagram]

On the 28th, Roh Hwan-gyu, former president of the Korean Medical Association, stated on his Facebook, "As a parent, I can understand some aspects of Mr. Joo's actions," but added, "It seems undeniable that it ultimately had a negative impact on the future of his son and other special needs children."

Former President Roh commented on Mr. Joo placing a recorder in his son's bag, saying, "All teachers responsible for Mr. Joo's son will always assume and act as if his son is carrying a recorder."

He continued, "Because the lawsuit was filed without prior consultation, teachers in charge of special needs children will empathize with the accused teacher and consider it their own issue."

Former President Roh added, "Teachers are professionals, but special education teachers are professionals with even deeper expertise. When professionalism is undermined, experts cannot demonstrate their capabilities. It is a regrettable situation."

Joo Ho-min posts statement on SNS: "Please wait until the trial results come out"

Joo Ho-min writer

Earlier, it was reported that A, a special education teacher at an elementary school in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, is currently on trial after being reported by Mr. Joo last September on charges of child abuse.

The incident occurred after Mr. Joo's son, B, exhibited sudden behavioral issues at an elementary school in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, last September and was separated from the class. B was separated after lowering his pants in front of female students during class, and shortly after, special education teacher A reportedly told B that "since you have been separated, you will not be able to make friends with other children."

Regarding this, Mr. Joo released a statement on the 26th, saying, "Last September, our child was separated into a special class due to sudden behavioral issues and had to receive education in the special class all day. However, from the day of the incident, he continuously showed very anxious and fearful reactions different from usual and even refused to attend school."

He added, "As a second-grade elementary student with developmental disabilities, accurate communication was impossible, and since only children with disabilities attend the special class, there was no way to receive information about the situation, but verification was necessary. The recording contained situations that were hard to see as simple discipline, and I was deeply shocked."

He stated, "Since the related matter is currently under trial, I would appreciate it if you could wait until the trial results come out to determine whether the teacher's actions were legitimate discipline or abuse of a child with developmental disabilities."