It was revealed that a member of the National Education Committee (National Education Committee), which was established to avoid political influence on education policy, which has been a ‘national policy for 100 years’, posted a photo of a rally to resign President Yoon Seok-yeol on social media. The member in question was recommended by the Democratic Party of Korea.
On the 28th of last month, Chung Dae-hwa, a standing member of the State Affairs Commission, posted on Facebook, ‘The resignation of the Yoon Seok-yeol regime. A poster of the rally saying, “Gather at Sungnyemun Gate” and a photo of the scene were posted. Commissioner Jeong wrote, “Yoon Seok-yeol’s resignation has become official. How long will he last in this situation? What will the next scene be?”
Last August, ‘I can endure the heat wave, but I can’t tolerate Yoon Seok-yeol. He posted an article titled ‘Citizens Take to the Streets Calling for the President’s Resignation’ and wrote, “People who say they can stand the heat but not the heat took to the streets this weekend. We are suffering under the scorching heat of August.”
Rep. Kim Yong-tae of the People Power Party asked Commissioner Jeong, “Is this an appropriate action for a public official responsible for national education?” and pointed out, “The fact that he said ‘we’ to the attendees of Yoon Seok-yeol’s resignation rally is a clear political activity.” To this, Commissioner Jeong responded, “I did not talk about impeachment (directly).”
As questions criticizing his political activities focused on him, Commissioner Jeong remained silent for a while and then said, “I’m not ashamed.” Ruling party lawmakers shouted, “Let’s do politics openly.” The Illegal Relations with Government Act prohibits membership in political parties and political activities.
Afterwards, Commissioner Jeong mentioned freedom of conscience and academic freedom under the Constitution and argued that “my Facebook is not a work space.” In response, People Power Party lawmaker Seo Ji-young asked, “Is it desirable for other members of the State Affairs Commission to say the same thing after posting photos of Lee Jae-myung’s arrest rally?” to which member Jeong responded, “I cannot judge.”
Commissioner Jeong explained, “I didn’t ask for a resignation movement, nor did I (actually) do it, but I just meant that August is hot. Doesn’t that sound right?” His emotions were so high that he shouted, “Congressman, my judgment is so ridiculous. Look at (the social media post) again.”
Commissioner Chung, who served as a professor at Sangji University, People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, and Chief of Staff to Oh Choong-il, leader of the United New Democratic Party, participated in the National Relations Committee as part of the Democratic Party. The Committee for Political Science was launched in September 2022 with the purpose of requiring a consistent education policy regardless of the specific administration. However, the president and the ruling and opposition parties have the right to recommend members, exposing the limitations of essentially dividing political inclinations into conservative or progressive.
Commissioner Jeong is also criticizing the atmosphere within the Korean Council for Foreign Affairs, which has a more conservative majority, and is calling for a change. On this day, Lee Bae-yong, Chairman of the Committee for Political Affairs, answered “yes” to the ruling party lawmakers’ demand that he “should be reported.”
Kim Chulwoong ([email protected])
