Complaints rise over teachers trying to influence students who can vote

 South Korea is facing growing controversy over teachers who allegedly tried to influence students politically before the country’s local elections on June 3. Critics say unclear rules about political expression in schools and inconsistent punishment are causing confusion and concern among students, parents and educators.

The issue has become more important since South Korea lowered the voting age to 18 in 2019. Because of this change, many high school seniors are now eligible to vote. According to the National Election Commission, around 40 percent of current high school seniors can participate in the upcoming elections.

Reports about teachers making political remarks in schools have increased in recent years. Complaints submitted to the Ministry of Education rose from 28 cases in 2023 to 75 cases in 2025. One recent case involved a teacher in Pyeongtaek who was suspended after allegedly encouraging students to join the campaign panel of a superintendent candidate. Students claimed the teacher often expressed support for a political party during class.

Other incidents have also raised concerns. In Jeonju, an elementary school teacher was investigated after being connected to a candidate’s campaign event. Another teacher received a warning for distributing a school meal plan that appeared to support a political party. These cases have led to debates about how much political activity teachers should be allowed to engage in.

Experts say the government needs clearer rules about political neutrality in education. Some believe teachers should have basic political rights, while others worry that students could be pressured or influenced unfairly. Education researcher Lee Sang-cheol said disciplinary standards should be more specific and consider whether teachers repeatedly expressed political opinions or allowed students to share different viewpoints.

Edited using generative AI tools.
Source: https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2026-05-14/national/socialAffairs/Complaints-rise-over-teachersComprehension 

Comprehension

Why has the issue of political influence in schools become more important since 2019?
How many complaints about teachers’ political remarks were reported in 2025?
What did the teacher in Pyeongtaek allegedly ask students to do?
Why were some students uncomfortable with the teacher’s comments?
What do experts believe the government should improve?

Discussion

Should teachers be allowed to express political opinions in school? Why or why not?
How can political comments affect students in the classroom?
Why is political neutrality important in education?
Do you think students should feel free to disagree with teachers? Explain your answer.
What rights should teachers have as citizens?
How can schools create a fair and respectful learning environment?
Should schools discuss politics with students? Under what conditions?
What are the possible dangers of political influence on young voters?

Vocabulary

Vocabulary
Scrutiny – careful examination or attention
Eligible – allowed or qualified to do something
Neutrality – the state of not supporting either side
Suspended – temporarily removed from duties or activities
Influence – the power to affect someone’s thoughts or actions
Disciplinary – related to punishment or rules of behavior
Controversy – public disagreement or debate
Campaign – organized activities to support a political candidate or cause