On Teachers' Day, Lee Jaemyung Says, "Education Stands Upright When Teachers Are Respected and Can Take Pride"

Facebook Post on Teachers' Day

Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on May 15, Teachers' Day, "Education can only stand upright when teachers are respected and able to take pride in their profession."

On the 14th, one day before the second Teachers' Day since the enforcement of the Act on the Prohibition of Improper Solicitation and Graft (the Kim Youngran Act), carnations were displayed at Daedo Flower Wholesale Market in Namdaemun Market, Jung-gu, Seoul. The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission emphasized that homeroom teachers and subject teachers who conduct regular evaluations and guidance for students have a recognized job-related connection with the students, so no gifts, regardless of value, such as flowers or cakes, should be given. However, flowers publicly presented by student representatives on Teachers' Day are interpreted as socially acceptable. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

Through social media on this day, Lee expressed, "I sincerely thank and respect the teachers at the forefront of education who lead children with dedication and passion," and made these remarks.

Lee said, "The words of my mentor who believed in my potential?'Jaemyung, you have potential'?were the starting point that made me who I am today. Even at this very moment, children are finding direction in life, guided by their teachers' teachings. Although the times have changed and the face of education has evolved, teachers have always been at the center of learning," he emphasized.

He continued, "Despite the hard work of teachers, the educational environment remains challenging," and pointed out, "It is said that more than eight out of ten teachers feel that their authority is not sufficiently respected."

He added, "The classroom should be a warm space for both students and teachers," and pledged, "I will do my utmost through policies and systems to support a school where students can fully realize their potential, teachers can devote themselves to teaching, and classrooms are filled with the laughter of both teachers and students."