Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate, proposed the guarantee of teachers' freedom of political activity as part of educational pledges. He also stated that he would promote the 'Creating 10 Seoul National Universities' project, which aims to foster regional national universities intensively and relax the hierarchy among universities.
On the 15th, the candidate posted on Facebook, "I will strengthen the national responsibility for education to create safe and happy schools for everyone," and "I will complete K-education through trusted public education and educational innovation that opens the future."
The candidate announced several educational pledges, including: ▲ Gradual expansion of support for preschool education and childcare costs ▲ Implementation of 'comprehensive elementary care' by national government, local governments, and schools ▲ Establishment of 'self-directed learning centers' to reduce private education costs ▲ Operation of support programs for youth dependent on digital technology ▲ Strengthening civic education for elementary, middle, and high school students ▲ Promotion of 'Creating 10 Seoul National Universities' ▲ Expansion of 'National Scholarships for Adult Learners' ▲ Introduction of 'mental care leave' for teachers ▲ Guaranteeing the political activities of teachers.
In particular, the candidate emphasized that he would allow teachers' political activities, such as writing political-related articles, recognizing the right to run for office, and enabling party membership, which teaching organizations have advocated for. Currently, teachers are restricted in political activities based on the National Public Service Act, Local Public Service Act, and Political Parties Act.
The candidate said, "I will guarantee the freedom of political activities unrelated to duties outside working hours to restore the rights guaranteed by the Constitution," and "I will ensure that teachers are respected as legitimate members of a democratic society."
He added, "By strategically fostering regional national universities and relaxing the hierarchy among universities, we will achieve balanced national development," and "We will cultivate national universities into world-class research institutions and work with regional private universities to make them the center of regional innovation and growth."
The candidate also stated, "We will gradually reduce the teacher-to-student ratio to the level of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and create a more meticulous and safe educational environment," adding, "The state will guarantee education, allowing teachers to focus on education to provide responsible education in which children can trust and grow."