A Letter Saying 'I Love You' to a Student... Park Jeong-hyun, Newly Appointed President of the Korea Teachers' Union, Resigns

On the 27th, Kyochong announced voluntary resignation
Kyochong operates under Acting Senior Vice President
"Insufficient candidate verification... Will improve system"

Park Jeong-hyun, the newly appointed president of the Korea Federation of Teachers' Associations (KFTA), who was previously disciplined for sending inappropriate letters to a former student, has resigned amid controversy.

In a statement released through the KFTA on the 27th, President Park said, "I deeply apologize for causing concern and damaging the honor of the Korea Federation of Teachers' Associations, its members, and teachers nationwide due to my past mistakes and errors," adding, "I fully accept all responsibility."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In 2013, while serving as the homeroom teacher for a 12th-grade class at a high school in Incheon, Park was referred to a disciplinary committee following a complaint that he showed favoritism toward a specific student. Park received a "reprimand" and was transferred to a nearby middle school.

During the KFTA presidential election process, allegations of sexual misconduct related to this issue were raised. However, Park claimed that he was disciplined due to complaints of favoritism arising from his interest and guidance toward a particular student.

Nevertheless, it was confirmed that the actual letters Park sent to the student contained expressions such as "I love you" and "my goddess," which sparked strong backlash from KFTA members.

Following Park's resignation, the KFTA will be operated under the acting leadership of Senior Vice President Moon Tae-hyeok until the next presidential election is held.

The KFTA stated, "We sincerely reflect on and apologize for failing to meet the responsibilities and expectations as the largest teachers' organization," adding, "We will make every effort to become a KFTA that works harder for educational development and the protection of teachers' rights."

They further added, "We humbly accept the criticism regarding insufficient candidate screening during the presidential election process and will improve the system through the board of directors and the general assembly, applying these changes starting from the next presidential election."