Gwangju Teachers' Union: "Welcomes Gwangju Education Office's Live Broadcast of Yoon's Impeachment Trial"

"Special Lessons Should Also Be Actively Continued"

The Gwangju Teachers' Union welcomed the Gwangju Office of Education's decision to allow the live broadcast of President Yoon Sukyeol's impeachment verdict in schools, calling it "a desirable decision that follows the will of the citizens."

On the 2nd, the Gwangju Teachers' Union issued a press release stating, "It was a very good move for the Gwangju Office of Education to send an official document allowing each school to autonomously decide whether to watch the Constitutional Court's impeachment verdict. The wishes of Gwangju citizens were conveyed to the Office of Education, and the office accepted them positively, which is why people say, 'This is Gwangju indeed.'"

On the 26th of last month, a flag was fluttering in the wind at the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

In addition to the live broadcast of the verdict, the teachers' union announced plans to actively promote special lessons, emphasizing that the historic event of impeachment should be used as an educational opportunity. To this end, they plan to develop and post their own lesson scenarios on martial law and the impeachment trial on their website, and support schools to ensure smooth implementation of these lessons.

The Gwangju Office of Education had previously sent an official notice the day before, encouraging schools to autonomously conduct live viewing and special lessons according to their circumstances, using the Constitutional Court's ruling as an opportunity for democratic education. The office also redistributed the "Democratic Citizenship Education Teacher's Guide," which was developed last year in response to the martial law situation. This material includes concepts of emergency martial law, legal grounds, historical cases, and the role of civil society, and is designed to help teachers maintain political neutrality while discussing these topics with students.

The Jeonnam Office of Education also sent a similar notice on the same day, providing lesson materials themed "Protecting the Values of Democracy and the Constitution."

The Gwangju Teachers' Union stated, "We hope that watching the Constitutional Court's live broadcast will not be a one-off event, but rather an opportunity for both schools and families to reflect on the meaning of democracy and the constitution," adding, "The reason why children and students in Gwangju are healthy and just is because the citizens of Gwangju are as well."