"People's Republic of China" Phrase in Middle School Motto Sparks Uproar: "Is This China?"

School Says "Students Decided Autonomously"

A controversy has erupted online after a middle school in Gyeonggi Province revealed a class motto containing the phrase "People's Republic of China."

The school motto of a middle school in Gyeonggi Province that sparked controversy online. Online community

Recently, a post titled "These Days' Middle School Class Motto" was uploaded to an online community, along with a photo of a classroom notice from a domestic middle school.

In the released photo, the class motto reads, "People's Republic of China, a peaceful community upholding moderation." The school in question is reportedly a middle school located in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province.

This sparked criticism online. Some netizens commented, "The exact intention needs to be clarified, but it seems inappropriate as a class motto," "Is this China?" and "Parents should raise concerns."

On the other hand, some suggested, "It could just be a prank among students," and "We need to check whether the students chose it or if it was set by the teacher."

As the controversy continued, the school told the media, "The motto was autonomously decided by the students, reflecting the homeroom teacher's background as a Chinese language major." The school explained that the phrase originated as a mischievous joke by the students to tease their homeroom teacher, and after the teacher's intervention, an additional explanation was attached as a compromise.

According to a report by Maeil Newspaper, the school's vice principal stated, "At the time, the teacher expressed opposition several times, and the school has always emphasized political neutrality as a basic principle of education," adding, "We respected the intent that students should autonomously decide their class motto."