Rep. Park Ju-min at Chungam High School Graduation Ceremony: "You Are Not at Fault. Don't Be Discouraged"

Park Jumin, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, attended the Chungam High School graduation ceremony and comforted the students by saying, "What did you do wrong? The ones at fault are the adults."

YouTube 'Park Jumin TV'

On the 6th, Park posted a congratulatory speech for the 54th Chungam High School graduation ceremony held that day on his YouTube channel. Although Park’s constituency is Eunpyeong-gap in Seoul, where Chungam High School is located, he said, "I am not a Chungam High School alumnus (Park graduated from Daewon Foreign Language High School), but I am one of the people who gained knowledge through Chungam High School."

He said, "When I first started as a member of the National Assembly in Eunpyeong, I faced the 'Chungam High School meal corruption' case, and in the process of resolving it, I worked together with many people to build a cafeteria and a gymnasium." He added, "I learned a lot then. I learned how to gather wisdom and unite with people, and through discussions, I realized that even problems that seemed unsolvable could be solved." He said, "Based on what I learned then, I continue my legislative activities now," and expressed his sincere gratitude to the students and staff of Chungam High School.

Park then mentioned the situation following President Yoon’s declaration of martial law, saying, "Recently, some unacceptable events have occurred, and it seems that Chungam High School students have experienced things they should not have."

Chungam High School, Eungam-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul. The building on the left is Chungam Middle School. Photo by Heo Young-han

Chungam High School is the alma mater not only of President Yoon but also of former Minister of National Defense Kim Yonghyun, former Commander of the Defense Counterintelligence Command Yeo Inhyeong, and former Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sangmin, all of whom were involved in the martial law incident. As public criticism against those called the so-called 'Chungam faction' spread, some citizens verbally abused students wearing the Chungam High School uniform at the time, and the school received threatening phone calls, exposing students and faculty members to various verbal abuses and threats. In response, the Chungam High School student council issued an appeal asking people to refrain from criticizing the school and current students, and the school temporarily allowed students to wear casual clothes instead of uniforms to prevent harm to the students.

Park apologized, saying, "I, as a politician, feel that I have made some mistakes," and added, "I sincerely apologize for that." He also said, "You do not need to be discouraged. What did you do wrong? The fault lies with the adults and our backward political culture."

Finally, Park advised, "Now that you will be stepping out into a wider society, you will come to deeply appreciate the friends you have made, the teachers who have taught you, and your parents." He said, "As long as you carry these precious people in your heart, you will be able to overcome difficult times better. I sincerely congratulate you on your graduation."