Chungnam Office of Education Removes 'Euljil' from Plan to Eradicate Gapjil and Workplace Bullying

The Chungnam Office of Education has deleted all content related to the controversial term "Euljil."

According to the Chungnam branch of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU) on the 12th, the Chungnam Office of Education sent an official notice the previous day to schools, education support offices, and affiliated institutions, informing them of the "2024 Plan to Eradicate Gapjil and Workplace Bullying (Revised)" with all references to Euljil removed.

The notice from the Audit Office stated, "We will implement policies to eradicate Gapjil and workplace bullying, and inform all staff of the status (cases) of Gapjil reports and their handling."

Previously, lawmaker Pyun Sambum (People Power Party, Boryeong 2) of the Chungnam Provincial Council proposed an ordinance on the prevention of Gapjil, Euljil, and workplace bullying at the Chungnam Office of Education. Although there were concerns that the concept and definition of Euljil were unclear and could intimidate school staff, the ordinance passed the Education Committee in its original form. However, due to opposition from teachers' organizations, it was not submitted to the plenary session.

A representative of the Chungnam branch of the KTU stated, "Unfair work orders and pursuit of personal interests using one's position and relationships, or Gapjil, still persist in schools," and demanded, "We strongly urge the Chungnam Office of Education to take administrative guidance and personnel measures against managers who engage in Gapjil, and to strengthen measures for the complete eradication of Gapjil."