Truth Battle Over 'Abuse of Authority' at Yeongam High School in South Jeolla... Union and Principal in Direct Confrontation

From Sexual Harassment Allegations to False Business Trips
Conflicting Claims and Announced Legal Action

Controversy is spreading over allegations of misconduct by the principal at a high school in Yeongam, South Jeolla Province. While the union raised suspicions of abuse of authority and misconduct, calling for severe disciplinary action, the principal has completely denied the allegations and announced plans for legal action.

On January 9, the Jeonnam Office of Education Public Officials Union held an emergency press conference in front of the provincial office of education, demanding a thorough investigation and severe disciplinary action. The union claimed, "The principal of the high school committed serious misconduct, including verbal abuse towards staff, abuse of personnel authority, and accounting fraud."

The Jeonnam Office of Education Public Officials Union held a press conference demanding a thorough investigation and severe disciplinary action regarding the principal's verbal abuse, abuse of personnel authority, and accounting fraud. Photo by Lee Jungkyung

The union asserted that the principal repeatedly made insulting and threatening remarks to the head of administration, such as "thief business trip" and "I'll rip your mouth apart." They also claimed the principal pressured the administrator to transfer and threatened to give a low performance evaluation score. Additionally, the union stated that the principal hinted at personnel disadvantages for the head of administration, who was preparing for the civil service exam, thereby applying further pressure.

Furthermore, suspicions were raised regarding false business trips and the misappropriation of student snack funds. The union argued, "Ahead of an audit, the principal ordered staff to purchase and provide bread and drinks, instructed them to 'watch what you say' and 'erase any traces of advance payments,' attempting to destroy evidence."

The union pointed out, "The affected staff members are working in fear of retaliation, and the morale of those who work diligently has hit rock bottom. The reality at schools like this is a key reason why the provincial office of education ranked at the bottom in the comprehensive integrity evaluation for public institutions."

On the other hand, the principal's side distributed leaflets at the press conference, completely refuting the union's claims. The principal's representatives argued, "The union's claims are false, and the essence of the incident has been distorted."

According to the principal's side, the issue originated from a conflict triggered by sexual harassment allegations against the head of administration in April and May of last year. They claimed that the administrator initially sought a transfer to cover up the matter but later changed their position and filed a complaint.

They further argued, "Assertions regarding the misappropriation of student snack funds, false business trips, forced transfers, and claims that the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission confirmed abuse of authority and misconduct are unilateral distortions without any judicial decision or disciplinary outcome. Such claims damage an individual's reputation and undermine the fairness of investigative and administrative procedures."

The principal's side explained that an investigation into the head of administration is currently being conducted by the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency, and disciplinary procedures by the provincial office of education against the principal are also ongoing, with facts yet to be established.

They also demanded, "Immediately cease false and definitive statements, and correct or delete any materials already distributed." They warned, "If the spread of false information continues, we will take all legal action, including filing criminal complaints for defamation and obstruction of investigation, civil claims for damages, and submitting a complaint to the Press Arbitration Commission."

This case has developed into a fierce dispute between the union's condemnation of abuse of authority and misconduct and the principal's claims of false accusations, escalating into a battle over the truth.

As investigations by the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency and disciplinary procedures by the Jeonnam Office of Education proceed simultaneously, the facts of the controversy are expected to be clarified through the outcomes of these investigations and administrative actions.