KTU, 'Deeply mourn' death of teacher who 'reported corruption,' vows to 'stand with them until the end'

The Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU) has announced its profound grief following the death of a middle-aged teacher in the Gyeonggi Province. This educator had bravely come forward to expose significant internal corruption, including financial irregularities and drunk driving, within their school.

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All union members offer condolences for the deceased and engrave the teacher's will to create a clean and upright educational environment deep in our hearts.

The union's statement highlighted the immense pressure the teacher endured after reporting the misconduct. Despite the subsequent investigation leading to the dismissal of a school official involved in embezzling 3 billion won, the teacher faced retaliatory disciplinary action, culminating in dismissal. The KTU condemned this as a tragic reality where a whistleblower, who acted with conscience, was not protected but instead pushed to the brink.

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The whistleblower had the courage to uphold their conscience as an educator against the immense power of the school.

According to the KTU Gyeonggi branch, the teacher experienced severe workplace bullying, including being isolated in a separate room and facing numerous lawsuits from the school. This arduous and lonely struggle ultimately led to the teacher taking a leave of absence. The union emphasized that the teacher's courage in standing up against powerful school authorities was a testament to their integrity as an educator. The KTU plans to consult with the bereaved family to determine the most appropriate way to mourn and to strategize their next steps, prioritizing the family's wishes above all else.

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Despite the righteousness being proven as the person responsible for the embezzlement was sentenced to prison, the reality the teacher had to face afterward was harsh.