Seoul Education Chief apologizes for May 18 mockery, proposes joint study

Seoul Superintendent of Education Jeong Keun-sik has apologized to the principal of Gwangju Jeil High School following an incident where students from Baejae High School allegedly mocked the May 18th Democratization Movement during a baseball game. The apology, delivered via phone call, expressed deep regret and offered condolences to the students of Gwangju Jeil High School who were hurt by the actions.

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As the superintendent of Seoul education, I deeply apologize to the student athletes of Gwangju Jeil High School, their parents and alumni, and the citizens of Gwangju and the nation who hold the historical pain.

According to a Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education official, Jeong conveyed his sense of responsibility as the superintendent and emphasized the need for the students to recover from the emotional distress. He also suggested that Baejae High School and Gwangju Jeil High School could potentially form a sisterhood relationship or engage in joint educational activities to transform the incident into a growth opportunity for the students involved.

Jeong has been in communication with the Superintendent of Education for the Integrated Jeonnam-Gwangju Province, Kim Dae-jung, discussing the matter. Both superintendents agreed that disciplinary actions against students should be educational rather than purely punitive. Discussions included proposals for Baejae High School students and leaders to visit the May 18th National Cemetery in Gwangju and receive education from the May 18 Memorial Foundation, fostering a shared understanding of the historical event.

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I take this matter very seriously and feel the weight of responsibility.

In a public statement on his Facebook page, Jeong formally apologized to the students, parents, alumni of Gwangju Jeil High School, and the citizens of Gwangju and the nation. He acknowledged the gravity of the situation and pledged to thoroughly review the school's handling of the incident, including its disciplinary process, supervisory system, and 재발 방지 (measures to prevent recurrence) education. He committed to implementing necessary educational measures in accordance with principles and procedures.

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We will closely examine the school's handling of the incident, including the disciplinary process, supervisory system, and plans for recurrence prevention education, and ensure that necessary educational measures are taken responsibly according to principles and procedures.

The Korea Baseball Softball Association had suspended Baejae High School's baseball team for six months. Jeong acknowledged this decision as a reflection of the incident's seriousness but also stated that disciplinary measures in student sports should serve as a starting point for educational recovery. He assured that the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education would provide educational support to help the students reflect, learn, and grow.

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We will prepare specific practical measures for human rights and history education in the school sports field and establish a comprehensive response system so that such incidents are not repeated.