Professor Ryu Jaeyeon of Nazareth University Department of Special Education Writes
"Analysis of the Transcript Shows It Is Not Child Abuse"
A special education expert who analyzed the recordings related to the case of webtoon artist Ju Homin, who was sued by a special education teacher teaching his children with developmental disabilities, stated that “there is no evidence of child abuse” and demanded the full disclosure of the recordings. He claimed that it was Ju Homin’s wife who escalated the incident.
Webtoon artist Joo Ho-min (left photo) and special education expert Ryu Jae-yeon, professor of special education at Nasaret University. [Photo source= EBS news screen capture]
Professor Ryu Jaeyeon of the Department of Special Education at Nazareth University posted a lengthy statement on his Facebook on the 3rd regarding Ju’s case. With 33 years of experience as an educator, he is recognized as an authority in the field of special education, having developed essential screening tools for developmental disabilities and served as president of the Korean Association for Inclusive Education.
Professor Ryu said, “Regarding Ju Homin’s recently released second statement, I feel unbearable anger at his lies and his noble insults toward the victim teacher,” adding, “I will soon thoroughly reveal how Ju Homin mixed in lies to defend himself and covertly attacked the victim teacher with refined expressions.”
After reviewing all the recordings, Professor Ryu submitted a 12-page opinion letter to the court stating that “this is not child abuse.”
He continued, “I have reviewed all the recordings of the case. I also listened to the conversations between Ms. A and Ju Homin’s son, B, during class,” and requested, “I ask Ju Homin to publicly disclose the original recordings made by your wife to the entire nation. This will help clear your grievances.”
He also appealed to Ju Homin’s wife, saying, “I ask you to apologize to Ju Homin even now. You can judge for yourself why I am asking you to apologize,” and added, “Ju Homin is doing his best as the head of the family to manage what you have done.”
This remark is interpreted to mean that it was Ju’s wife who engaged in the controversial act of secretly recording conversations between special education teacher Ms. A and Ju’s son, yet Ju alone is bearing all the criticism.
Professor Ryu also mentioned, “Regarding Ju Homin, I cannot hide the tears flowing as an individual, a man, a head of household, and a stakeholder related to developmental disabilities.”
He stated, “He is going through hardships because of his fame. Everyone is swarming and biting only at Ju Homin personally,” and added, “Your husband is doing his best to protect you and your family because of what you have done.”
Furthermore, Professor Ryu volunteered, “If necessary, I will protect Ju Homin’s son myself.”
He proposed, “Ju Homin’s son, as seen through the recordings, is truly a lovable child. I felt it with my whole body through his reactions during class,” and added, “I recently completed the qualification for ‘Disability Activity Support Worker.’ I will do my best as a volunteer to support the child’s development.” He also urged, “The couple should reconcile first.”
Earlier, Ju had filed a complaint in September last year against elementary school special education teacher Ms. A, who taught his children with developmental disabilities, on charges of child abuse. Ms. A was accused of making inappropriate remarks after Ju Homin’s son, B, was separated from the inclusive class for actions such as pulling down his pants in front of female classmates.
Subsequently, Ms. A was suspended due to Ju’s complaint but was reinstated on the 1st following a decision by the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education.
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