Recently, a far-right group announced plans to hold rallies demanding the removal of the "Statue of Peace" installed at several schools in Seoul, prompting the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education to express concern.
On October 22, the Office of Education stated, "We express deep concern regarding the recent announcement by certain groups to hold rallies demanding the removal of the 'Statue of Peace' installed at two schools within our jurisdiction," adding, "We urge them to immediately cease these actions."
Previously, far-right organizations such as the National Action for the Abolition of the Comfort Women Law announced plans to hold rallies demanding the removal of the Statue of Peace at schools where the statue is installed. The Statue of Peace was created and installed at two schools in 2013 and 2017 through history clubs and related projects led by students and teachers. The Office of Education explained, "The Statue of Peace is an educational symbol established based on the autonomy of education, the right to learn, and freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution. It was created so that students could voluntarily learn and practice correct historical awareness, peace, and the values of human rights."
However, these groups reported plans to hold rallies every Wednesday from October 23 to November 19 in front of the statues installed at two high schools in Seongdong-gu and Seocho-gu.
The police have prohibited rallies from being held during students' class hours, commuting times, the preliminary orientation for the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) on November 12, and the day of the CSAT on November 13. However, the groups have stated their intention to go ahead with a rally on October 29.
In response, the Office of Education stated, "The Statue of Peace is not for any particular political purpose, but is part of history education and democratic citizenship education. It is the result of students' own planning and efforts." The Office added, "External demands for its removal infringe upon educational autonomy, student self-governance, and freedom of expression, and can never be accepted."
The Office further expressed concern, saying, "Historical distortion and hate speech should not be allowed in educational spaces. The language and messages sent by the groups announcing the rallies can instill fear, division, and a distorted understanding of historical facts among students." The Office also stated, "We consider such expressions to go beyond the bounds of 'freedom of expression' and regard them as 'hate' and 'discrimination.' We will respond firmly."
The Office of Education emphasized that it will prioritize students' right to learn and their safety, and will cooperate with the police and relevant agencies to take all necessary measures to ensure that class rights and commuting safety are not compromised.
In particular, the Office expressed deep concern about rallies and demonstrations in front of schools that could seriously infringe upon students' right to learn, especially ahead of the College Scholastic Ability Test on November 13.
The Office stated, "We will work closely with the schools in question, the district education offices, parents, and civil society to respond jointly." The Office added, "Based on legal review and cooperation with the police, we have requested reasonable restrictions on rallies near schools and will continue to respond proactively to ensure that students and staff do not feel anxious." The Office also urged, "Please approach this issue with the wisdom and maturity of responsible citizens so that the Statue of Peace, created through the small actions of students, is not damaged or becomes the subject of political conflict."
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