Former Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education superintendent Kwak No-hyun ran in the by-election. He lost his position in 2012 after it was revealed that he had given money to another candidate as a condition for unifying the progressive camp during the 2010 Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education superintendent election. His motto at the time of his candidacy was “clean education revolution.” However, the truth that was revealed was a shameless crime of trying to trade the superintendent position for money. The fact that such a person dared to become the head of Seoul education again shows the ethical decline of not only himself but also our society as a whole.
He was sentenced to one year in prison by the Supreme Court, but he did not accept it. The same was true for his statement in his bid for the superintendent of education this time. He said, “The Supreme Court ruling that punished me will be laughed at and disgraced in the court of history.” If the Supreme Court ruling is unjust, he can gather facts and evidence proving its unjustness and file a retrial. However, I have not heard that he filed a retrial. In that sense, Kwak’s words can only be called victim cosplay.
The absurdity of the excuse for running for office does not end here. Former Superintendent Cho Hee-yeon brought up the impeachment of the president, calling her a “victim of judicial terrorism.” The vacancy of former Superintendent Cho’s position was due to a crime in which she ordered the unfair special hiring of dismissed teachers. How can it be considered “judicial terrorism” to condemn that crime by law? I cannot help but deplore the bizarre ethical yardstick that unconditionally calls any ruling unfavorable to me or my side “judicial terrorism.”
The part where Mr. Kwak presents three tasks for the superintendent election: ‘impeachment of Yoon Seok-yeol‘s education policy’, ‘impeachment of the political prosecution that brought down Superintendent Cho Hee-yeon’, and ‘a bigger impeachment’ meaning the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol is even more speechless. Isn’t it a statement that he wants to turn the educational field into a battlefield of political struggle?
Since some time ago, the ethics and moral standards of our society have plummeted. Rather than reflecting on one’s mistakes, denying that one has done so has become the ‘new normal.’ Mr. Kwak shows this realistically. He denied the Supreme Court’s ruling and said, “I stand tall and proud in the court of my conscience.” This is an act that makes a fool of the people.
The Kwak No-hyun Controversy: A Reflection on Ethics in Education Leadership
Table of Contents
Introduction
The realm of education leadership requires not only skills and vision but also a profound sense of ethics and integrity. The recent by-election candidacy of Kwak No-hyun, former Superintendent of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, raises serious questions about ethical standards in educational governance. His contentious past, notably his loss of the superintendent position in 2012 due to his involvement in a scandal, has sparked discussions about the implications of his potential return to power and what it signifies for education in Seoul.
The Rise and Fall of Kwak No-hyun
Kwak No-hyun first made headlines during the 2010 Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education superintendent election when it was revealed that he offered financial incentives to another candidate. This move was purportedly aimed at unifying the progressive camp within the election. Despite his campaign slogan promising a “clean education revolution,” the ensuing scandal stripped him of credibility and ultimately led to his ousting. The public’s response was one of disillusionment, highlighting a grave misalignment between his professed values and his actions.
In 2012, the Supreme Court sentenced Kwak to one year in prison for his misconduct. His response to this ruling, however, was not one of acceptance. Instead, he dismissed the judgement as “laughable” and “disgraced” in the “court of history.” Such statements raise important ethical questions: When leaders refuse to acknowledge their wrongdoings, what message does that send to the constituents who look to them for guidance?
The Ethics of Kwak No-hyun’s Candidacy
Kwak’s recent bid for the superintendent position has been met with skepticism, largely due to his tarnished reputation. His claim that the Supreme Court ruling against him is an unjust representation of his actions is troubling. If he genuinely believes in his innocence, one would expect him to pursue a retrial, yet there are no indications that he has taken any legal steps to challenge the verdict. This situation invites further scrutiny into his motives and sincerity, suggesting a form of denial rather than accountability.
The Notion of Judicial Terrorism in Educational Politics
Adding to the complexities surrounding the recent election was the involvement of former Superintendent Cho Hee-yeon, who previously faced impeachment due to alleged irregularities in hiring practices. In defending her position, she referred to her situation as a “victim of judicial terrorism.” This raises further ethical concerns: How do we define justice? Can labeling unfavorable judicial outcomes as ‘terrorism’ undermine the integrity of the legal system and its role in safeguarding educational ethics?
Kwak’s rhetoric surrounding “impeaching” current education policies and attacking political figures, including President Yoon Seok-yeol, mirrors this problematic framing. By suggesting that opposition to his policies is ethically flawed or judicially motivated, Kwak joins a concerning trend in political narratives that prioritize personal grievance over societal responsibility.
Conclusion
The candidacy of Kwak No-hyun in the recent by-election has shed light on deeper ethical issues within educational leadership and the broader political landscape. The persistent unwillingness of political figures to take responsibility for their actions and the tendency to dismiss judicial outcomes as personal vendettas present a troubling picture.
As the education sector in Seoul continues to evolve, it is crucial for citizens to demand transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. The debate surrounding Kwak No-hyun serves as a reminder that integrity should be at the forefront of educational leadership. If we are to cultivate a “clean education revolution,” stakeholders must hold leaders accountable to the highest ethical standards, ensuring that education is a field not just of innovation and reform but also of unwavering integrity and responsibility.
In navigating these challenging discussions, it becomes essential for the community to remain vigilant and informed, advocating for leadership that reflects the values and aspirations of society as a whole.
