6th Grade Homeroom Teacher in Wonju, Gangwon-do
Smoking in Classroom During After-School Class Time
An elementary school teacher was caught vaping in the classroom, but the school only issued a 'warning' instead of disciplinary action, sparking protests from parents.
According to JTBC on the 1st, on October 25th, a contract teacher A, who is the homeroom teacher for the 6th grade at an elementary school in Wonju, Gangwon, was vaping in the classroom. The released footage clearly shows A sitting at the desk, staring at the computer monitor while exhaling vapor.
The classroom was empty as it was after-school class time, but students passing by in the hallway witnessed and recorded the scene. A parent who learned about A’s vaping in the classroom filed a complaint through the National Petition System, saying, "Vaping in the classroom? And while the children are still at school? They say it wasn’t just one or two kids who saw it," adding, "This is not the first time, and it’s not something that should be overlooked."
In response, the school stated, "We have taken active measures such as guidance to prevent recurrence and intend to actively manage so that the obligations of educational public officials are properly fulfilled. The teacher was administratively disciplined by the principal." However, it was reported that only a 'warning' was issued without any further disciplinary action.
Regarding the reason for issuing only a warning, a school official explained, "It’s not that we think what he did was right, but it was a one-time mistake. He also quickly regretted it." It was also mentioned that A had difficulties managing student behavior regularly.
However, contrary to the school and A’s explanations, students claim it was not a one-time incident. One student said, "There was a smell continuously, and when I heard he was vaping, I thought, 'So that was the smell,' and felt unpleasant." Another student also said, "I saw it about once or twice."
Under current law, the entire school, including the playground, is a non-smoking area. Violators who smoke face a fine of up to 100,000 won.
When media coverage began, the school announced it would report A to the public health center to impose a fine.
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