Sold-Out Sensation 'Dujjonku'... Now Sparks Controversy Over Teachers Accepting 'Bribes'

Law Prohibits, Sentiment Permits
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A teacher's social media post revealing that they received the currently sold-out Dubai Jjondeuk Jjondeuk Cookie (Dujjonku) from a student during the school vacation has sparked controversy over a potential violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act (commonly known as the Kim Young-ran Act). On January 21, an online community featured a post titled "Filing a Complaint Against a Teacher for Accepting a Bribe During Vacation." The author, identified as A, shared a teacher's social media post, stating, "Although it is vacation, a student in their charge visited and gave them a snack. I was unsure if this was legal, so I reported it."

A teacher's SNS photo receiving 'Dujjonku' from a student. Online community

The controversial post included a photo of the Dujjonku the teacher received from the student, along with the caption, "During vacation, precious [student's name] visited the humble teachers' office and dropped off Dujjonku." A claimed to have filed a complaint with the Jeollanam-do Office of Education, arguing that this case constitutes a violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act.

According to the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, it is, in principle, prohibited for a student currently enrolled or their guardian to provide any money or gifts to a teacher, regardless of the amount. This is because teachers have a direct connection to students' evaluations and guidance. However, in cases where the direct relationship has been fully severed, such as after graduation, exceptions may be made in accordance with social norms.

Public reaction to the incident has been divided. Some criticized the report, saying, "It's excessive to legally challenge even a small snack given out of kindness by a student," and, "The real issue is people searching teachers' social media to report them." Others commented, "It's wrong to conflate gifts and bribes." On the other hand, many supported the report, arguing, "Teachers should not accept anything from students, regardless of the amount," "Even if received, it was careless to make it public on social media," and "Rules must be followed without exception." There were also concerns that "other students might misunderstand if they see this."

Some commenters, presumed to be current teachers, shared that "In actual school settings, there is an atmosphere of not accepting even a single drink on Teachers' Day," and that "everything except letters is returned." Some pointed out the gap between the law and reality, saying, "While the intent of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act is understandable, it is enforced too strictly only on frontline teachers." Regardless of individual investigations, education authorities maintain their existing stance that "teachers must strictly avoid receiving any gifts from students or parents that could be misunderstood."