Two Failed Recruitment Attempts... Full-Scale Discussion Begins on Solutions for Normalizing Hongbok Academy

Over 10 Years of Temporary Board Since 2015 Accounting Scandal
Ongoing Land Disputes at Daekwang and Seojin Girls' High Schools Impact Students
Forum Discusses Alternatives Including Public Conversion and Civil-Led School Model

With the recruitment of financial contributors falling through, the normalization of Hongbok Academy (Daekwang Girls' High School and Seojin Girls' High School) is now at risk of stalling. In addition to the temporary board system that has lasted for over a decade since the founder's corruption scandal, ongoing land disputes and the founder's lack of cooperation are raising growing concerns about the infringement of students' right to education.

Hongbok Academy, which operates Seojin Girls' High School and Daekwang Girls' High School, switched to a temporary board system in 2015 after improper accounting practices were uncovered. As management conditions deteriorated due to real estate ownership disputes, which led to the closure of parts of the school commute routes, the academy attempted to recruit financial contributors. However, both public recruitment efforts in August and September of this year failed.

Amid these circumstances, a forum was held on the afternoon of the 27th at Gwangju City Council, attended by faculty members, parents, experts, and civic group representatives. Participants urged the development of fundamental countermeasures, emphasizing that the harm is ultimately being passed on to the students.

On the afternoon of the 27th, at the Education and Culture Committee meeting room of Gwangju City Council, faculty members, parents, experts, and representatives of civic groups are listening to speeches at the "Discussion on Measures to Normalize Hongbok Academy through Recruiting Financial Contributors." Photo by Song Bohyun

Kim Sebin, a teacher at Daekwang Girls' High School and representative of the faculty, described the current situation, mentioning the abandoned building in front of the school, blocked commute routes, classes without a playground, and the cramped cafeteria. She stated, "All of these are not just school issues but represent a structural crisis for the entire academy." She stressed that recruiting financial contributors should be a process for the school's development, and highlighted the need to guarantee job security for faculty, ensure public interest, maintain transparency in procedures, consider public conversion, and secure the capacity to implement system reforms.

Parent representative Kwak Kyungja pointed out, "With the failure to recruit financial contributors, the normalization of the school is adrift, and the harm is falling entirely on the students." She added, "Department restructuring is blocked, and student safety on their commute cannot be guaranteed." She called for active intervention by the education office and local government to resolve debt and private land issues, insisting that all options, including public conversion, should be kept open.

Oh Jungseon, chairperson of the Hongbok Academy Normalization Promotion Committee, addressed the core of the issue, stating, "The temporary board system has continued for 11 years, and neither the founder nor the former board members show any intention to normalize the situation." He argued, "Transparency in the selection of financial contributors must be ensured, and the local government should intervene to resolve the land disputes." He also emphasized, "A school should be a place that prioritizes educational value over material gain."

Status map of private land within the Hongbokhakwon site revealed at the forum on the afternoon of the 27th. It was explained that there are privately owned parcels within Daekwang Girls' High School campus and the surrounding school commute routes. Photo by Song Bohyun

Attorney Lee Jongwan, who provided legal counsel, analyzed the legal uncertainties surrounding the private land issue. He explained, "Most of the land has been used as school grounds for a long time, and since the previous owners had given their consent, even if the new owners demand demolition, it is highly likely to be considered an abuse of rights." He further stated, "Due to seizure issues, the possibility of transferring ownership is also low," suggesting that the legal risks are not significant. He recommended informing potential financial contributors of this and confirming the local government's position to reduce uncertainty.

Park Kohyungjun, executive activist at the Society Without Academic Cliques, emphasized institutional alternatives. He said, "Under the current Private School Act, there is no legal basis for the education office or local government to become financial contributors," and argued, "A public financial contributor system should be introduced, and a quasi-public private school operation model should be legislated." He added, "In the long term, we should move toward a 'civil-led private school model' involving parents, alumni, and faculty together," noting that normalizing Hongbok Academy is a task linked to structural reform of private schools and strengthening the public nature of education.

Yeo Donggu, acting chairperson of the temporary board at Hongbok Academy, said, "During the first recruitment, there were people who visited the school in person to receive explanations," and added, "For the second recruitment, we will disclose more specific and detailed information and provide direct explanations to interested parties." He emphasized, "The school will actively promote the second public recruitment so that it does not end as a mere formality," and appealed, "We ask for cooperation from the local community and all members."