Data reveals sexual harassment of teachers by students, crimes by native English teachers



By You Soo-sun

The number of reports of students sexually harassing teachers was 445 over the last five years.

Year by year the number has been rising steadily, according to Ministry of Education data obtained by Rep. Kwak Sang-do of the Liberty Korea Party (LKP).

In 2013, there were 62 cases in which teachers reported having been sexually harassed by students. The number continued to rise, from 80 in 2014, 107 in 2015 and 112 in 2016.

There were 84 such cases in the first half of this year alone.

The problem was most prevalent in Seoul, with 118 reported cases, followed by Gyeonggi Province with 68, and Incheon with 30.

The numbers for North Chungcheong Province, South Gyeongsang Province, South Chungcheong Province, Busan, and Gangwon fell in the range between 21 and 28.

The data revealed that crimes committed by native English teachers were another rising issue.

Over the last five years, 11 native English teachers in elementary, middle, and high schools were punished for committing crimes.

Six were charged with possession of illegal drugs, two for sexual harassment, and one each for physical assault, robbery, and engagement of obscene acts in public.

"It is likely there are more of these cases, for many teachers are likely to hesitate in filing harassment reports. A solution is needed urgently," Rep. Kwak said.

He also stressed the need to address crimes committed by native English teachers. "Employment and management regulations must be toughened for the native English speaking teachers," he said.