The government of Lee Jae-myung has re-awarded a medal to a former teacher, Gil Jun-yong, who previously rejected a presidential honor from former President Yoon Suk-yeol. This decision follows Lee’s directive to review cases where awards were declined under the previous administration. Gil Jun-yong, who retired last year as the head of a middle school, announced on social media that he received the medal, expressing gratitude for being remembered despite his earlier refusal based on the actions of the previous government that he found unacceptable.

Gil had refused the medal three years prior, citing the tumultuous political circumstances under Yoon Suk-yeol’s administration, which included significant national crises and dissatisfaction with the governance style. He expressed in a television interview that his objection extended to the names on the award certificate, which included individuals he could not ethically accept to be associated with, highlighting a deep-rooted discontent with the political context of the time. The former teacher's stance reflects a broader sentiment among some educators and civil servants who have distanced themselves from the Yoon administration’s values.

The recent award to Gil comes amid a quiet but apparent trend of educators and academics rejecting accolades from the Yoon government, indicating a rift between the educational community and the political leadership. Others, such as Professor Lee Cheol-ki and honorary professor Kim Cheol-hong, previously made similar refusals, signaling a collective dissatisfaction with the administration's decisions. With this award, the current administration aims to shift that narrative, perhaps seeking to unify and acknowledge those who have served the country during tumultuous political times, despite the challenges ahead.