"Good fit" and "Have sex a lot"... Teacher who made inappropriate remarks during class faces two-year prison sentence

Sexually Harassing Remarks and Emotional Abuse Toward Students
Teacher's Side: "Misunderstood While Trying to Emphasize a Happy Life"

Prosecutors have requested a prison sentence for a former teacher in his 50s who was indicted on charges of violating the Child Welfare Act after allegedly making remarks during class that caused sexual humiliation to high school students.

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On July 11, at the sentencing hearing for Mr. A (53), held before Judge Bae Gumin of the Jeju District Court Criminal Division 2, prosecutors requested a two-year prison sentence for violating the Child Welfare Act (coercion to commit obscene acts, mediation, sexual harassment, etc. against a child).

The prosecution argued, "The defendant's child abuse was substantial and ongoing," and stated, "Given that the defendant has completely denied the charges and that the acts had a serious negative impact on the emotional development of the students," a prison sentence is warranted.

Mr. A is accused of making sexually harassing remarks and engaging in emotional abuse while teaching an English class at a high school in Jeju City in March last year. It was found that, while explaining English words related to sexual intercourse during class, he said, "Sex is a good thing. You should do it a lot."

He also reportedly commented on students' body types, saying, "This is the result of not taking care of your health," and "You have a good fit," and repeatedly told a particular student, "You have no value."

In addition, he allegedly dismissed practical values such as going to college by saying, "Truth, goodness, and beauty are what matter."

Some students felt uncomfortable with the teacher's behavior and reported him. The local education office subsequently dismissed Mr. A from his position. Mr. A has appealed the dismissal and is currently seeking a review of the decision.

Mr. A has completely denied the charges. In court, he explained, "I approached my classes with love and gratitude for the students, and the remarks in question were the result of a misunderstanding," adding, "My intention was to emphasize the importance of a happy life." He particularly stressed his teaching philosophy, saying, "I made those remarks to teach students not to obsess over grades and college, but to live for happiness."

The defense noted that, according to a full survey of the students, only 10 claimed to have been sexually harassed, while the rest merely expressed discomfort. The defense argued, "It appears that the victims' statements about sexual or emotional abuse arose as they expressed dissatisfaction and discomfort with the slow progress of the class, which resulted from the defendant repeatedly emphasizing his personal values."

The final verdict for Mr. A is scheduled to be delivered on August 13. Mr. A was dismissed from his position by the Jeju Provincial Office of Education in connection with this case.