[2026 Parliamentary Audit] Son Sol: "Far-right Protestant groups affiliated with Next Club still remain in schools"

Instructor Training Courses Include Lessons Opposing Homosexuality and Abortion

According to an analysis by Progressive Party lawmaker Son Sol of data submitted by 11 metropolitan and provincial education offices, 17 schools participated in sex education and violence prevention programs for the 2026 school year involving organizations connected to the instructor training program of Next Club, which has faced controversy over its links to Rebox School.

Kim Jiyeon speaking at a New Men's Solidarity rally in May 2024. Office of Progressive Party lawmaker Son Sol

By region, there were six schools in Daejeon, four each in Gangwon and Seoul, and one each in North Gyeongsang, North Jeolla, and South Chungcheong. However, the North Jeolla Office of Education submitted only the names of institutions, not the number of schools. Thus, the number of schools was confirmed for 16 of the 17 locations, while the remaining one was identified through institutional records.

Rebox School is an organization that has faced criticism over controversies including the promotion of far-right historical views, organized comment manipulation, and its role in the Neulbom School program. After reports emerged that Pastor Nam Seungje, head of Next Club, had attended Rebox School-related events and invited its associates to a general assembly, local civil society and parent groups called for the organization to be removed from the region last year.

Kim Jiyeon, who heads the Korea Association for Family Health and A-Lab Academy, which taught in Next Club's instructor training program, has promoted Bible-based sex education and expressed opposition to homosexuality and anti-discrimination laws. In past lectures, Kim rejected the concept of gender in school health and ethics textbooks, and at a New Men's Solidarity rally she criticized feminism and a comprehensive anti-discrimination law. Last year, she was also seen leading three cheers after listening to a lecture opposing the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol at the New Year's gathering of the Freedom and Democratic Citizens' Solidarity.

The controversy has also extended to the program's issuance of private certificates related to violence prevention education. Recruitment materials list both a "Bible-Based Sex Education Specialist Course" and a "Comprehensive Violence Prevention Instructor Certificate," with the Korea Association for Family Health, led by Kim, named as the certifying organization.

"The response to controversies involving Rebox School and Next Club must not end with a one-time inspection," Son said. "We need to verify what training and vetting instructors undergo before entering classrooms." She added, "Even if sex harassment and sexual violence prevention education is provided only once, it must protect the dignity and safety of every student," and called on education authorities to strengthen their oversight and supervision.

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