Education Minister warns teachers of a large-scale walkout

Education Minister Lee Ju-ho, center, attends a meeting with superintendents at the government complex in Seoul on Tuesday. [YONHAP]

Education Minister Lee Ju-ho warned teachers against planning a walk out on Sept. 4, a Monday, to commemorate the death of a teacher at Seo 2 Elementary School.

The day marks the 49th day since the elementary teacher took her own life, reportedly due to harassment by parents of her students.

"Engaging in an unlawful assembly to commemorate the deceased will not only undermine the social consensus that has been built in restoring teachers' rights, but could also infringe upon students' right to education," Lee emphasized during a meeting with superintendents, including Joe Hee-yeon of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education.

"There is a risk that the progress made towards normalizing public education could be compromised," Lee further stated.

"The Education Ministry stands in remembrance of the deceased and is committed to earnestly restoring teachers' rights and normalizing public education," Lee added.

Teachers have been regularly holding rallies in downtown Seoul every Saturday since the death of the Seo 2 Elementary School teacher.

The teachers are planning a large-scale walkout, demanding more assertive government policies to safeguard their rights against harassment from students and parents, including protection from lawsuits mostly on abuses.

The government had previously issued a stern warning that those participating could lose their jobs.

The 49-day period is a Buddhist ritual where family and friends mourn every seventh day for seven cycles. It is believed that the deceased receives final judgment on the 49th day before reincarnation.

BY LEE HO-JEONG [lee.hojeong@joongang.co.kr]