Ministry of Education Requests Investigation into JeonGyoJo Chairman's Encouragement of 'Yoon Seok-yeol Resignation Vote'

"Violation of Civil Servants' Ban on Political Activities"
JeonGyoJo "Overcoming Regime Crisis through Union Suppression"

The Ministry of Education has requested a police investigation into Jeon Hee-young, chairperson of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (JeonGyoJo), for encouraging participation in a national referendum calling for the resignation of President Yoon Seok-yeol, citing violations of the National Public Service Act.

On the 31st, the Ministry of Education issued a press release stating, "The JeonGyoJo chairperson and others have posted an appeal letter in the chairperson's name and an online voting channel (QR code) on their own website, jointly promoting the 'Yoon Seok-yeol Resignation National Referendum' with the 'Yoon Seok-yeol Resignation National Referendum Promotion Headquarters,' encouraging JeonGyoJo members, fellow teachers, and their families to participate in voting aimed at the current administration's resignation."

It added, "The Ministry of Education informs that, in accordance with laws and principles, it has requested a police investigation into violations such as the prohibition of political activities and collective actions by the JeonGyoJo chairperson and others through unjust union activities."

[Photo by Ministry of Education]

According to Article 65 of the National Public Service Act, public officials are prohibited from engaging in the formation of political parties or other political organizations or joining them, and must not engage in acts supporting or opposing specific parties or individuals in elections.

In response, JeonGyoJo issued a statement condemning the Yoon Seok-yeol administration for attempting to overcome its crisis through union suppression, stating, "The referendum simply asks each citizen for their approval or disapproval of the resignation of the Yoon administration, conducted to guarantee the people's constitutional right to freely express their opinions."

JeonGyoJo said, "It is not even the case that JeonGyoJo directly operates the system; rather, it provided union members with the opportunity to freely express their opinions as citizens, whether in favor or against. How is this illegal?" and added, "It is a perfectly legitimate activity for a labor union to ask its members for their opinions, and there is no problem whatsoever."