Some Students Confused by Jeon Han-gil's Political Remarks
Korean History Community Flooded with Political Posts Instead of Study Tips
"Limiting His Own Position and Scope of Activity"
Jeon Han-gil, a famous Korean history star lecturer, has recently become embroiled in controversy as he continues his unabashed 'political remarks.' While some students attending his lectures have raised complaints about being adversely affected, there are also calls advising that private instructors should maintain political neutrality just like public school teachers.
Jeon is at the center of controversy for attending a large-scale rally opposing the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol and calling for his release, making various political statements. At the rally held at Busan Station Square on the 1st, Jeon claimed, "We were right and we won," and asserted, "President Yoon was impeached unjustly and falsely accused through the opposition party's oppressive and illegal methods."
Recently, Jeon has actively defended President Yoon's emergency martial law declaration on December 3rd and raised conspiracy theories about election fraud, continuing his political remarks. This has also affected his students. The online community 'Jeon Han-gil Korean History,' operated by Jeon, was originally intended for sharing course-related information and study tips, but after Jeon's actions, it has been flooded with political posts, effectively paralyzing its original function.
Students attending Jeon's classes have expressed dissatisfaction, posting comments such as "The exam is just around the corner, so why leave the (cafe) like this?" "It feels like a politicians' cafe," and "I am disappointed in the teacher, not because of political leanings, but because students who want to study are being neglected."
The spark of conflict following Jeon's actions has spread to other fellow instructors as well. Kang Min-seong, a former colleague of Jeon and also a well-known Korean history lecturer, criticized Jeon on his personal Facebook account on the 3rd, saying, "I feel ashamed and self-disgusted." He added, "Many people are uncomfortable and angry about the recent political and social situation, especially on the bulletin boards and comments of my cafe. As someone who worked in the same industry, I feel ashamed."
The cafe run by Jeon was originally operated for students, but recently only political posts have been published. Screenshot of Jeon Hangil's cafe
Considering the influence and fame of Jeon and other so-called 'top lecturers,' there are also calls for them to maintain political neutrality. Public school teachers have an obligation to remain neutral not only in educational settings but also outside of them. On the other hand, private instructors employed by private companies do not bear such burdens, so they can relatively easily make sensitive political and social remarks. Although they are not strictly obligated to maintain political neutrality, there is a need for instructors to refrain from political remarks from a professional standpoint.
Lecture expert Oh Sang-ik, CEO of Oganzi Production, said, "It is natural for each instructor to have personal views, and especially on issues related to ideology, religion, values, and beliefs, sensitivities inevitably arise," adding, "Explicitly revealing such beliefs is tantamount to the lecturer reducing their own position and scope of activity." He further pointed out, "People who spread and act on their beliefs and values are closer to social activists or religious figures than lecturers."
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