Controversy Over Placement of 'Reebak School' Textbooks in Some Schools and Libraries in South Jeolla

Provincial Councilor Lim Hyungseok: "Far-Right Textbooks Must Be Fully Investigated and Discarded"
Additional Cases Found at 10 Local Schools and 8 Public Libraries
Provincial Office of Education: "Purchased Independently... Disposal Requested and M

It has been additionally confirmed that far-right books, which have sparked controversy over historical distortion, have been placed in some schools and libraries in South Jeolla Province, raising further debate.

On July 31, provincial council member Lim Hyungseok (Democratic Party of Korea, Gwangyang District 1) stated, "It has been confirmed that, in addition to school libraries in South Jeolla, eight libraries affiliated with the South Jeolla Office of Education and the South Jeolla Provincial Library have copies of the 'Mom Tells the Story of President Syngman Rhee, the Founding President,' a textbook from 'Reebak School.'"

It was confirmed that textbooks related to 'Libaxchool' were placed in some school libraries in Jeonnam and eight libraries affiliated with the Provincial Office of Education, and they have been disposed of. Provided by Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education

According to Councilor Lim, a total of 18 copies of the book are currently available in the libraries of 10 elementary, middle, and high schools in the South Jeolla region. This includes five elementary schools, four middle schools, and one high school. Notably, one elementary school in Yeosu possesses seven copies, and four elementary schools have recorded a total of five lending cases.

In addition, the Student Education and Culture Center and seven libraries in Mokpo, Gwangyang, Damyang, and other locations, all affiliated with the South Jeolla Office of Education, also possess the book. Eight lending cases have been recorded at these libraries. The South Jeolla Provincial Library holds one copy, but lending is currently restricted.

Councilor Lim argued, "This book advocates for the establishment day of the nation, defines the Yeosu-Suncheon Incident as a rebellion, and likens the actions of the military and police who suppressed it to 'removing cancer cells,' thus presenting a biased and distorted view of history. It has also reportedly been used as a teaching material for the 'Reebak School' Neulbom instructor training, which has recently been at the center of controversy for its far-right historical perspective."

He continued, "The book contains numerous recommendations from individuals ranging from kindergarten teachers to university professors, including teachers from the South Jeolla region. It is deeply concerning that such teachers have been responsible for educating students."

Councilor Lim emphasized, "It is shocking that a book with such clear historical distortion, evident even from its title, is placed throughout educational spaces like libraries and has actually been lent out. In particular, it is incomprehensible that such a book is held in South Jeolla, a region directly affected by the Yeosu-Suncheon Incident."

He further urged, "A comprehensive investigation should be conducted in all libraries in the province, and these books must be immediately discarded. The process by which libraries affiliated with the South Jeolla Office of Education, which aims to promote accurate history as well as democratic, peace, and human rights education, came to acquire books containing distorted historical perspectives must be thoroughly investigated."

In response, Kim Younggil, Director of Future Education at the South Jeolla Office of Education, explained, "The book in question was not purchased at the level of the Office of Education, but rather independently by each school through a book selection committee composed of teachers and parents. As soon as we confirmed the relevant facts on the 10th, we sent an official notice to the schools requesting disposal of the books."

Director Kim added, "We have also asked each school to further strengthen the function of their book selection committees to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future."