Groups unveil list of unionized teachers

Conservative civic groups yesterday disclosed the names of some 5,000 members of a progressive teachers union in Seoul, in a bid to tame what they call biased education and leftist activism.

The Korean Teachers and Education Workers` Union reacted angrily, suggesting it may take a legal action, saying the move violates privacy and libels its members.

Right-wing groups have accused the KTU of "denying the national identity of the Republic of Korea."

"KTU teachers` biased education and actions that are inappropriate for teachers are one of the reasons the education sector is so troubled," the People`s Coalition Against Antinational Education said yesterday at a press conference.

"Parents have continued to raise issues against the KTU and they have a right to know which teacher is a member of the KTU."

The 4,950 names were listed on the alliance`s website. Of them, 2,107 were middle school teachers, 1,847 in high school, 992 in elementary school and four in special schools.

A high school had the highest number of KTU teachers - 31 - while other schools had about 10.

"All the names have been confirmed by each school`s committee of teachers and parents," the right-wing coalition said.

"We will eventually disclose the names of all KTU teachers across the country."

The KTU has 11,570 members in Seoul and about 73,000 nationwide.

In October, the People`s Coalition filed a complaint against eight KTU leaders with the prosecution, accusing them of violating the National Security Law. The KTU responded by filing a lawsuit against 32 members of the coalition for libel and false accusation.

Last month, the People`s Coalition publicized the names of 124 schools that adopted a modern history textbook which they said was "tilted to the political left." The conservative group also disclosed the number of KTU teachers in those schools.

By Kim So-hyun



(sophie@heraldm.com)