In Seoul, teacher to return to school after dismissal over reporting abuse
In Seoul, South Korea, teacher Ji Hye-bok will return to work at a school on Wednesday after more than two years of a solo protest. She reached an agreement with the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, which is to provide administrative and other support for her return to duty, Korea Herald reports.
Court overturns transfer and dismissal
In 2023, Ji Hye-bok played a key role in making public reports that several female students at her school had been subjected to sexual harassment and other forms of sexual violence by male students. She appealed to education authorities over violations of the schoolgirls' rights. Following an investigation, the students found responsible issued written apologies.
In December 2023, education authorities decided to transfer the teacher to another school from March 2024, explaining this by the need to reduce teaching staff due to a declining number of students. Ji Hye-bok stated that the transfer was retaliation for her actions as a whistleblower. She did not report to the new school and began a solo protest outside the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education in January 2024.
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In September of the same year, she was dismissed for repeatedly being absent from work without permission. In January, the Seoul Administrative Court recognized her actions as whistleblowing in the public interest and overturned the transfer decision. The court concluded that the transfer was an unlawful adverse measure against a whistleblower. In July, the court separately overturned her dismissal. Both rulings took effect because the education authorities did not appeal them.
Apology and review of the school's actions
Jeong Geun-sik, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, formally apologized to Ji Hye-bok, the affected female students and their guardians. He also expressed regret over the difficulties faced by members of the joint action committee and other supporters of the teacher during the prolonged protests and sit-ins.
The Office of Education said it would investigate and assess the school's actions in the sexual violence case, including measures to protect those affected, Ji Hye-bok's transfer and the whistleblower protection provided to her. The results are planned to be used to improve the system and procedures. The agency also promised to strengthen its response to sexual violence in schools and provide victims with protection and recovery assistance more quickly. According to the publication, Ji Hye-bok will work at the school until the end of the semester and will reach the mandatory retirement age next year.
