South Korean Education Minister Faces Calls for Resignation Over Election Interference Allegations

South Korean Education Minister Choi Kyo-jin is embroiled in controversy over allegations of violating his duty of political neutrality. He "liked" a social media post endorsing Im Jeon-soo, a candidate for the Sejong City Superintendent of Education, sparking criticism.

This incident follows a similar controversy in April when Choi attended Im's campaign office opening, leading him to express regret for causing unnecessary debate. The recent social media activity involved Choi liking a Facebook post by Yoo Woo-seok, a former principal, which supported Im's candidacy. Yoo had previously participated in the primary to become the progressive candidate for Sejong Superintendent but lost to Im.

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Teachers cannot even 'like' election-related posts, but is the Education Minister an exception?

Critics, including the Chungnam Teachers' Association, argue that Choi's actions constitute indirect election support, potentially violating the Public Official Election Act. The association's president, Lee Jun-kwon, questioned whether the Education Minister is exempt from rules that even teachers must follow regarding election-related posts. The Education Ministry stated the comment was deleted to avoid misunderstanding.

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It will be recorded as the first case of a current Education Minister directly intervening in a superintendent election since the direct election system was introduced in 2007.

Im Jeon-soo is considered a close associate of Choi, having served in key positions within the Sejong City Office of Education during Choi's tenure as Superintendent. Both also share a background as former union leaders of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers' Union.

Teacher organizations, including the Korean Teachers' Federation (KTF), have demanded Choi's resignation, calling it the first instance of a current Education Minister directly interfering in a superintendent election. The main opposition People Power Party also announced plans to file a complaint against Choi for violating his political neutrality.

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The minister's actions are a clear violation of his duty of political neutrality, as the head of South Korea's education system is engaging in election support for his confidant.