A total of 26 copies placed in libraries and schools; 13 loans confirmed
"Books that distort history or undermine the system excluded," official notice in February
Investigation begins into four teachers who wrote recommendations; "No witch-hunt
As it became known that books accused of distorting history with far-right perspectives had been placed in some schools and public libraries in Jeonnam, Kim Daejung, Superintendent of Jeonnam Education, issued an official statement on August 3, expressing deep regret. The book in question, "The Story of President Syngman Rhee, the Founding President, as Told by a Mother" (Reebok School), has been criticized for praising and glorifying former President Syngman Rhee.
In his statement, Superintendent Kim said, "I still cannot forget the shock and fear of the 12·3 Martial Law," and added, "This situation once again confirms that without proper history education, democratic citizenship education is also impossible."
He continued, "Back in February, the Provincial Office of Education established stricter guidelines for book review standards to exclude books that may distort history or undermine the basic national system from school libraries," and explained, "The book at the center of this controversy has also been disposed of according to these guidelines. Nevertheless, I sincerely apologize for the occurrence of this controversy."
According to the Provincial Office of Education, the first edition of the book was published in June 2020, and a revised and expanded edition was released in April this year. Since then, a total of 26 copies were purchased by 8 out of 22 public libraries under the Provincial Office of Education and 10 out of 830 school libraries in the province, with 13 loans recorded.
Superintendent Kim stated, "Purchases of this book began in July 2020 and the last purchase was made in October last year. I apologize to all members of the educational community for the fact that 11 libraries purchased the book during my term." He added, "Even as we approach the 80th anniversary of Liberation, the specter of false history still lingers and tries to infiltrate educational settings at every opportunity," emphasizing, "We must eradicate the glorification of pro-Japanese collaborators and the fabrication of history that were carried out to legitimize the regimes during the Japanese colonial era and military dictatorship."
Upon reviewing the circumstances of the book's acquisition, it was found that among the 8 libraries, 7 classified it as a 'user-requested book' and 1 as a 'new release.' All 10 school libraries registered it as a 'basic book.' The Provincial Office of Education ordered the complete disposal of all related books as of July 10, and announced that currently, all such books are unsearchable and have been completely removed from the shelves.
Meanwhile, another controversy has arisen as it was revealed that four teachers from the Jeonnam region wrote recommendations for the book in 2020. Among them, one has retired, one is currently an active teacher, one is a contract teacher after honorary retirement, and the remaining one is working as an after-school instructor.
Superintendent Kim stated, "The schools where those who wrote recommendations worked at the time did not have the book, and there are no related books at their current schools either." He added, "Given the significant concerns of parents and the educational community, we will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the recommendation writing and any external activities." At the same time, he requested, "Since these individuals are also valuable members of our educational community, I ask for caution so that their privacy is not indiscriminately exposed or that they are not subjected to witch-hunt-style criticism before the facts are confirmed."
As a measure to prevent recurrence, Superintendent Kim announced plans to strengthen the review of history-related books with the participation of external committee members and to expand history education training for staff. He also explained that the establishment of a Constitutional Education Center is being promoted to provide continuous and systematic education on democracy and the constitution.
Superintendent Kim stated, "In February, the Provincial Office of Education strengthened the book review standards for school libraries through an official document. We will thoroughly inspect to ensure that distorted history does not enter classrooms," and added, "It is deeply regrettable that textbooks containing far-right historical perspectives were placed in Jeonnam educational settings, which prioritize democratic, human rights, and peace education. I also apologize to the families of the Yeosun Incident victims for the pain caused. I will visit and apologize in person as soon as possible."
In conclusion, he promised, "Based on the pride that Jeonnam's spirit of justice is the root of Korean democracy, we will further enhance our children's historical identity and pride," and added, "I will take responsibility and work to improve even the problems that occurred before my term."
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