15th of May is the Teacher’s Day in South Korean ，but schools and teachers doubly feel keyed up on the day. Not only are parents sent letters being asked not to send teachers gifts, but also many schools have a day off on that day with not even celebrations held。
According to CBS News, on May 16, in South Korea, the deeply-rooted practice of parents offering under-the-table bonuses is known as “chonji”. But due to a wave of corruption swamping teachers in the country, the government officially announced in 2008 that teachers who accept “chonji” should be dismissed and deprived of their rights to teach ever again. Investigators have thrown blitzes on teachers heading home from school checking their bags or cars for chonji-related gifts。
The report said that to preclude misunderstanding, “the teachers had better not even accept a carnation from their students.” On the day, 14 primary schools and 10 junior-high schools in Seoul were voluntarily closed. No celebration was held. The Teacher’s Day being a burden, has touched off the social thinking of South Korea. According to the reports, the closure of schools will lead to a feeling of wounded pride and authority of teachers。
The editorial article from JoongAng Daily pointed out that the activities on Teacher’s Day should be arranged for students, parents and teachers to interact and have a good day together to share their gratitude and respect, and that it should not cast a cloud of suspicion over the schools。
Comments are closed.