"Abandoning Public Education"... Jeonnam KTU Urges Withdrawal of Lee Jinsook's Nomination

Direct Criticism:
"Illegal Early Overseas Study for Child, Thesis Plagiarism... Unqualified"

The Jeonnam branch of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU) has called for the withdrawal of Education Minister nominee Lee Jinsook, describing her as "a person who has abandoned the values of public education."

On July 15, the Jeonnam branch of KTU issued a statement saying, "The educational field is now at the edge of a cliff due to entrance exam competition, inequality, the collapse of teachers' authority, and a distorted educational philosophy. In such a crisis, the head of the Ministry of Education must be someone who can responsibly lead reforms."

The KTU particularly pointed out, "Nominee Lee turned her back on public education by sending her child abroad for illegal early study, and has even lost the minimum trust required of an educator due to allegations of plagiarism in her student's thesis."

The union further criticized, "She is a figure with no understanding or practical experience in the field of early childhood, elementary, or secondary education. Education policies focused on elites, the capital region, and appearances cannot protect the lives of children or the future of local communities."

Additionally, the union argued, "What is needed now is education where students and teachers breathe together, a decentralized education system that revitalizes local communities, and reforms led by experts who understand and can put into practice what is happening on the ground. Nominee Lee is not the right person for this change."

The Jeonnam branch of KTU urged President Lee Jaemyung to "take seriously the voices of the people and those in the field, immediately withdraw the nomination of Lee Jinsook, and newly appoint someone with trustworthiness, expertise, and democratic leadership."