Controversy surrounds Wansan Academy as allegations of improper personnel actions arise despite being under a temporary board system intended for reform.
Wansan Academy, a private educational institution embroiled in financial scandals, continues to face backlash even under a temporary board system instituted for its reform. On the 23rd, a rally was held in front of Wansan Middle School by citizens, parents from the school community, and local groups in Jeonbuk, asserting that the temporary board, aimed at normalizing the institution, has instead perpetuated unfair personnel actions and retaliatory measures against staff. This ongoing turmoil denotes a significant disconnect between the intended reform and the actual practices of the temporary governance,
Allegations against Wansan Academy include embezzlement by its founders who reportedly siphoned off over 5.3 billion won and others involved in irregular hiring practices. The local education authority had to intervene with a temporary board after these scandals came to light in 2019. Recently, complaints have arisen about the board's actions, such as recommending teachers who were disciplined for embezzlement for principal candidacy, demonstrating a lack of accountability and raising concerns about educational integrity.
Critics at the rally voiced their frustrations, questioning how the temporary board could recommend those with histories of malfeasance. Statements from parents and educators emphasize deep dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs and demand rectification. They called for immediate cancellation of the wrongful personnel decisions, an end to workplace harassment, and a review of the problematic actions taken by the temporary board, urging the Jeonbuk education authority to implement stricter measures against appointing individuals with a background of corruption.
