Superintendent Minseok Ahn Files Criminal Complaint Against Bucheon Ojeong Elementary Parent for Infringing on Teachers' Rights

300 Dedicated School Authority Protection Officers Appointed, Including Lawyers, Doctors, and Police Officers
Approximately 1,400 Applicants to Be Designated as Civilian School Authority Protection Officers

On August 10, Gyeonggi Provincial Superintendent Minseok Ahn filed a criminal complaint against the parent involved in the malicious complaint case at Bucheon Ojeong Elementary School, which was handled as the “Case No. 1” by the Gyeonggi Provincial School Authority Protection Task Force. This marks the first time since his inauguration that Superintendent Ahn has filed a complaint against a parent in relation to an infringement on teachers’ rights.

Superintendent Ahn held a press conference on the second floor of the conference room at the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, announcing, "In relation to the serious infringement on educational activities that occurred at Ojeong Elementary School, today I will personally visit the Bucheon Ojeong Police Station to submit a criminal complaint in my capacity as Superintendent."

According to the provincial education office, a teacher from this school reportedly received a complaint from a parent after mediating a dispute between students. It has also been reported that the parent staged a protest in front of the school, holding a sign.

The School Authority Protection Committee recognized the parent’s actions as an infringement on educational activities. Nevertheless, it was found that the teacher has been subjected to both a criminal complaint and a civil lawsuit by the parent on allegations of child abuse.

Superintendent Ahn established the School Authority Protection Task Force within the education office, personally assuming the role of head, designating this incident as “Case No. 1.” He has met with school officials and the victimized teacher to review possible responses.

An Minseok, Superintendent of Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education, is holding a press conference regarding the case of teacher's authority violation at Bucheon Ojeong Elementary School. Provided by Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education.

On this day, Superintendent Ahn explained, "Although the parent expressed willingness to apologize to the teacher and withdraw the lawsuit, after careful consideration and taking into account the position of the teacher and school, I decided to proceed with the complaint." He added, "This action demonstrates the Superintendent’s commitment that any conduct shaking the school or threatening teachers will not be tolerated."

He further emphasized, "We can no longer stand by while legitimate educational activities collapse in the face of malicious complaints and threats, and while teachers' dedication is met with reports and lawsuits. We will respond strictly in accordance with the law and principles to actions that seriously violate the safety and dignity of teachers."

Meanwhile, on this day, the provincial education office finalized the selection of 300 dedicated school authority protection officers.

The selected officers include 160 experts such as lawyers, doctors, and police officers, as well as 110 teachers and 30 Gyeonggi Province residents. The group of experts also includes conflict mediation specialists, counselors, former members of the National Human Rights Commission, and international behavior analysts.

They will offer dedicated, one-on-one support from the initial occurrence to the conclusion of cases involving teachers struggling with allegations of child abuse, serious infringements on educational activities, or malicious complaints.

The provincial education office plans to conduct capacity-building training for these protection officers on August 13 and 18, officially launch their activities at an inauguration ceremony on the 22nd, and subsequently begin their full-scale operations. In addition, approximately 1,400 applicants from the public recruitment process will be appointed as “Civilian School Authority Protection Officers.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.