Woo Hyunchan Criticizes Resolution to Silence Teachers Who Stood Up to the Truth of Illegal Insurrection

Resolution Passed Urging Disciplinary Action Against Teachers
Who Issued Political Declaration Calling for President Yoon's Resignation

Woo Hyunchan

A resolution urging disciplinary action against teachers who issued an illegal political declaration calling for the resignation of President Yoon Suk-yeol, proposed by a Seoul Metropolitan Council member from the People Power Party, passed the 330th extraordinary session's plenary meeting on April 30, 2025.

This resolution calls on Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education Superintendent Chung Keunsik to discipline the teachers. Led by the People Power Party, the resolution was adopted with 52 votes in favor and 20 against out of 72 council members present.

Woo Hyunchan, a member of the Seoul Metropolitan Council's Education Committee, pointed out, "The demand for disciplinary action against teachers for their political declaration infringes on the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution, and constitutes an abuse of authority over personnel rights, which are the exclusive authority of the superintendent as stipulated by the Local Education Autonomy Act."

He also stated, "I thank the teachers who bravely spoke out and did not overlook the disgraceful site of history on December 10, when there may be a second attempt at martial law," and evaluated, "The teachers' decision has advanced history by a step."

Woo Hyunchan expressed serious concern about the People Power Party members' resolution to silence teachers, and pointed out to the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education that "considering disciplinary action in the absence of any measures or legal judgment from the Ministry of Education regarding the political declaration is inappropriate." He further urged, "It is not too late to address disciplinary action against teachers who participated in the political declaration after the legal judgment on insurrection has been finalized."

Finally, Woo Hyunchan stated, "We cannot ask people to close their eyes and mouths to a shameful history. Teachers who stood up with integrity in the face of the historical crime of illegal insurrection deserve not punishment but commendation." He called on the People Power Party members of the Seoul Metropolitan Council to "voluntarily withdraw the resolution urging disciplinary action, as this is the only way to relieve themselves of the shame of historical wrongdoing," and urged them to reflect.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.