▲ A statement released by a high school student in Gyeongbuk
A controversy is growing at a high school in Yecheon, North Gyeongsang Province, over whether watching World Cup matches during class hours constitutes an effective educational activity or an infringement on the right to learn, following the release of a statement by a student.
The local education office and the school have expressed concern, stating that "the current controversy could ironically infringe upon the students' right to learn."
According to the Gyeongsangbuk-do Office of Education and other sources on June 16, some teachers at the school allowed students to watch the South Korean national football team's World Cup match during class on June 12.
After the school principal raised the issue, a student posted a statement on an online community board on June 13, saying, "The teachers gave us a memory we will never forget by sparing class time to show us the match, as we were exhausted from our studies."
The student further argued that "it was a living education where we learned a sense of community and built emotional bonds between teachers and students."
The student who issued the statement criticized the principal, claiming that the principal "treated the teachers like criminals and tried to hunt them down," and demanded an apology to the teachers and students.
The Gyeongsangbuk-do Office of Education reported that the school believes the internal atmosphere has returned to stability and that the school is perplexed by the continued spread of the controversy from outside sources.
The office also explained that it has conveyed concerns that the controversy itself could affect the right to learn for students preparing for final exams, which are set to begin on June 25.
Furthermore, the school added that it hopes the student who released the statement will not be psychologically hurt and regrets that only the sensational aspects of the situation are being highlighted.
The Gyeongsangbuk-do Office of Education maintains that watching World Cup matches can be considered an educational activity if it is linked to the curriculum and agreed upon by the school community.
An official in charge of secondary education at the Gyeongsangbuk-do Office of Education said, "Within the scope of normal curriculum operations, watching a match is fully permissible if there is consultation among teachers, students, and parents, if the learning rights of students who do not wish to watch are guaranteed, and if plans for make-up classes are in place." The official added, "However, we understand that this particular case was carried out abruptly without prior consultation."
The official explained, "The post uploaded by the student has now been deleted, and while the school has stabilized to some extent, there is still a sense of confusion among the students. Specific academic operations are at the discretion of the principal, and the principal's actions were likely intended to secure the students' exam preparation and right to learn."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.