A high school student faced a Seoul Administrative Court panel after making provocative statements to her homeroom teacher during a class performance review. The court determined the remarks aimed to push for improvements in the school’s education practices, opting for 12 hours of special education in October 2024 instead of expulsion.
Details of the Confrontation
During the announcement of class average scores, the student directly challenged her homeroom teacher, stating, “These kids don’t even ignite,” implying a lack of student resistance. She added, “You only need to do it once,” and “Junior, please prioritize personality development first.” The student also criticized elementary school teachers, claiming, “Elementary teachers just play around at school.”
The teacher reported the incident to the principal, capturing the exchange. An initial review recommended expulsion through a special committee meeting. However, further investigation revealed the student’s intent to incite changes in the education environment, where she perceived inadequate student guidance.
Court Investigation and Findings
The court’s Administrative Division 12, led by Chief Judge Kang Jae-won, examined the case thoroughly. The student partially admitted her statements but maintained no underlying violence existed. She later met the teacher again, blaming her for mishandling the situation and demanding accountability.
Re-examination confirmed the student’s provocative language targeted the teacher’s role in education activities. The panel noted that students hold the right to voice concerns about their schooling but emphasized that such extreme expressions remain inappropriate. The teacher faced criticism for fearing high school educators and making undue public comments on educational matters.
The student also presented recordings to the principal, amplifying her grievances. Ultimately, the court viewed the actions as an attempt to prompt reforms rather than mere disruption, leading to the special education mandate over harsher penalties.
