Jung Sung-guk, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, sharply criticized the education policies of the Lee government, stating that the government is ignoring developmental stages and educational conditions while failing to provide clear solutions to the declining status of teachers.
During a government question session in the National Assembly on September 14, Jung pressed Prime Minister Han Seong-sook on the controversy surrounding the National Education Commission's push to expand class hours for elementary school students in grades one and two, highlighting the chaos caused by government policies.
Jung questioned the recent movement to increase class hours for first and second graders, asking, "Isn't this just a way to warm up the discussion without proper public discourse?" He emphasized the differences in developmental stages between first graders and sixth graders, questioning whether the government truly understands the burdens teachers face.
In response, Prime Minister Han stated, "This has not gone through an official public discourse process; I received reports from forums organized by the National Education Commission. Given the strong opinions from parents' groups and related organizations, we will not proceed without a public discourse process." She also acknowledged the differences in student focus and educational burdens on teachers.
Jung then referenced the Netflix series 'True Education,' bringing attention to the pressing issues of declining teacher rights and confusion in student care. He remarked, "While I do not agree with the punitive measures depicted in the drama, we must consider the reality where teachers feel catharsis from the character who assures them, 'Do not worry about lawsuits; focus on education, I will protect you.' Can you assure us that you will protect teachers?"
However, Han's response remained at a general level. She noted, "I have heard that the reality in the field is more serious than what is portrayed in the drama, and it is connected to the welfare ministry's care system, which we are examining. While discussions are ongoing among the police, prosecution, education ministry, and welfare ministry regarding the status of teacher rights, the issues related to child welfare laws are intertwined, and we need coordination among the relevant ministries, making it difficult to provide a clear direction immediately."
When Jung pressed her on her level of interest in education as Prime Minister, Han replied, "Elders in education have said that if education improves, many other things will improve, so I am closely examining related matters."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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