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Education International
Education International

Korea: President Roh’s Comments Anger Teachers

published 3 April 2006 updated 7 June 2018

Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun caused a sensation among teachers, saying “It is the teacher who is the most strongly opposed to social change.” at a gathering with Korean compatriots in Egypt.

In a statement next day, EI affiliate the KFTA announced, “We feel very sorry that the President singled out teachers as the group most against social change. The President’s comment is an insult to the dignity of teachers and the progressive ideas they support.” The KFTA added, “We hope that the President, the government, and the ruling party should be responsible for the national trust in public education with thoughtful behaviour. Moreover, the political impartiality in the administration of education written in the Constitution must be abided by.”