Still Using "Attention~Salute" Chants at High School Graduation Ceremonies...

Only 2 out of 68 Gwangju High Schools Maintain Salute Tradition
Civic Group: "Remnants of Japanese Colonial Era, Military Culture, and Authoritarianism"

"Attention, salute!"

Controversy has arisen as two private high schools in Gwangju required all students to shout commands and perform a salute during graduation ceremonies. Critics argue that this practice is a remnant of authoritarian education, combining elements from the Japanese colonial era and military culture.

On the 5th, graduates at a private high school in Gwangju are performing a salute to the chairman. Provided by Citizens' Group for a Society Without Academic Discrimination

On the 6th, the Citizens' Group for a Society Without Academic Elitism stated, "It has been confirmed that at two high schools in Gwangju, students are required to salute the principal and others during events such as entrance ceremonies."

The group criticized, "Having students line up in an orderly fashion and perform a salute is a practice that merges Japanese colonial and military culture," adding, "It is a vestige of past authoritarian education."

The organization demanded, "These schools should eliminate military practices such as salutes and drill training, which have been maintained under the pretext of tradition," and urged, "The city education office should strive to create a democratic educational environment that respects students' autonomy and diversity."

An anonymous graduate who heard about the incident told this newspaper over the phone, "I didn't realize it while attending such a closed and oppressive school environment," and added, "Watching the video again, I felt frustrated and bitter about saluting the chairman or principal." The graduate further commented, "I hope the remnants of colonial education disappear as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, similar controversy arose last year as well. At that time, the school principal stated, "The commands and salutes have continued as a tradition for 50 years since the school's founding, including this year's incoming students," and added, "After receiving complaints, the student council recently held a meeting and decided to continue the tradition."

Another school official explained, "We perform salutes during entrance ceremonies, school anniversaries, and graduation ceremonies as a performance to foster unity and a sense of connection with alumni attending the events."