Gyeonggi Education Chief Cleared of Negligence Charge

The superintendent of the Gyeonggi Office of Education Kim Sang-gon was found not guilty of negligence Tuesday in delaying punishment of unionized teachers who signed a declaration criticizing the government.

Because of the ruling by the Suwon District Court, Kim, 61, can keep his position.

The court said, “Because of various opinions over the teachers’ declaration, Kim needed to make a prudent decision rather than immediate punishment. He did not act out of the line and we consider him to have had considerable reasons (for delaying punishment).”

On the declaration itself, the ruling said, “Since it did not take place at school, no infringement occurred on students’ right to study, and the violation related to teachers’ duty did not seem severe. Since it was peaceful and not anti-social, each court gave out fines or probation though they were found guilty.”

Prosecutors said they would appeal the verdict, and the Education, Science and Technology Ministry said, “We will wait for the ruling at the second trial.”

Kim said after the ruling, “Since laws were excessively applied (in prosecuting me), this ruling is a natural and rational conclusion.”

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