Ministry of Education

The Ministry of Education (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Lee Ju-Ho) acknowledges the gravity of the tragic incident happened on July 18th, where a young school teacher took her own life. In this regard, the ministry recognizes the pressing need to initiate imperative measures to ensure a safe learning place, solidifying the authority of teachers. As previously announced, the Ministry of Education has created a joint Task Force with the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Welfare, respectively, to expedite administrative measures. This includes △improving the enforcement practices related to child abuse laws and △implementing special measures for teachers’ mental well-being. The Ministry of Education has been fully participating in discussions when key issues were raised in the parliamentary subcommittee on education bills. The Ministry of Education also acknowledges that this week marks the final stage of the legislative process for the four major education protection bills (Special Act on the Improvement of Teachers’ Status and the Protection of Their Educational Activities, Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Early Childhood Education Act, and Framework Act on Education). The ministry has appealed to the National Assembly to respond promptly to the earnest demands of 500,000 school teachers and ensure the swift passage of these bills. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Lee Ju-Ho emphasized, “Given the urgency of legislation on solidifying teacher authority, we will work with an open mind. Above all, the effective implementation in schools is prominent.” (September 11, 2023, Seoul Government Complex)