"From the Square to the Classroom"... Gwangju Teachers Welcome President Yoon's Dismissal

KTU and Gwangju Teachers' Union
"Now Is the Time to Revive Democracy in Education"

On the 4th, near the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, citizens who supported the impeachment cheered following the Constitutional Court's ruling in favor of the impeachment case against President Yoon Seokyeol. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 4th, the day the Constitutional Court accepted the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, teacher organizations in Gwangju collectively welcomed the decision, calling it a "victory of history." They expressed their determination to return to the educational field at the end of the insurrection crisis.

The Gwangju branch of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers' Union (KTU) stated in a statement released that day, "Together with the citizens of Gwangju, who have lived embodying the spirit of May, we have illuminated the path to a new era," and added, "The Constitutional Court's decision is a victory for all citizens, and the KTU Gwangju branch welcomes it."

The KTU defined this impeachment as not merely a judgment against one president, but as "a starting point to rectify the educational evils of the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, such as the AI digital textbooks and the rejection of free high school education." They continued, "The shouts in the square against the forces of insurrection were joined by the younger generation," and declared, "As teachers, we will revive the values of the Constitution and democracy in the classroom." They also emphasized, "We will take the lead in improving the system so that the fate of the country is decided not by the hands of judges, but by the hands of citizens."

The Gwangju Teachers' Union also stated, "It was not the Constitutional Court that dismissed President Yoon, but in reality, it was the people who dismissed him," and added, "This is a victory for the citizens of Gwangju and a victory for teachers." The union described the process as "a field practice of democracy together with students" and said, "We are comforted by the thought that the truth has finally been revealed and justice has barely prevailed."

They further stated, "Now is the time for teachers to return to their rightful place so that students can be happy at school," and added, "We will vigorously restart the 'Proper Gwangju Education' project, which could not be properly conducted during the insurrection phase."

Both organizations mentioned wildfire damage in their statements, adding, "Even in today's joy, we do not forget the pain. We send our condolences to all the victims and those involved in recovery efforts."