Superintendent Lee Jungseon Faces Mounting Criticism After Leaving for US Shortly After Heavy Rain

Civil Group Criticizes "Ignoring Disaster, Inappropriate Conduct"
Education Office Responds: "Superintendent to Return Early for On-Site Inspection"

Criticism has arisen against Lee Jungseon, Superintendent of Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education, for what has been described as "inappropriate conduct during a disaster" after he departed for the United States shortly after record-breaking heavy rain. In response, the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education explained, "The schedule was confirmed at the beginning of the year and was difficult to adjust, but he will return earlier than planned to support schools affected by the disaster."

Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education.

The education and civil society group "Citizens' Coalition for a Society Without Academic Cliques" stated on the 25th, "We regret that Superintendent Lee Jungseon pushed ahead with an overseas business trip during a disaster."

The group pointed out, "Superintendent Lee has left for his eighth overseas business trip during his term, operating his key pledge program, 'Global Leader World Tour for Students.' Despite the fact that Gwangju experienced record-breaking heavy rain to the extent that the city considered declaring a disaster area, he departed for the United States on the 22nd."

The group further explained, "Superintendent Lee has traveled to the United States every year, and except for two out of a total of eight trips, all were related to student international exchange programs, including this digital leader global field study observation." They added, "On the 22nd, President Lee Jaemyung pointed out at a cabinet meeting, 'Strictly discipline public officials who act irresponsibly at the grim scenes where citizens are dying.' In a situation where even the chairman of the Korea Communications Commission had his vacation canceled, we must reconsider whether it was appropriate for the superintendent to go on an overseas trip."

The Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education explained in a statement, "Since the trip involved coordination with institutions and universities around the world, the schedule was confirmed at the beginning of the year, making it difficult to adjust." They added, "This trip includes a planned agreement for a generative artificial intelligence (AI) education project promoted by Google, and most previous trips were also for business agreements." The office continued, "On July 17-18, when the heavy rain occurred, Superintendent Lee inspected affected schools such as Gwangju High School, Songjeongseo Elementary School, Yongbong Elementary School, and Jeondae Sadaebu High School. He will return on the 28th, shortening the originally planned schedule that was to last until the 31st, to review the situation and support schools affected by the disaster."