From criticism to compassion: A teacher’s reflection on decade of change

Ten years ago, I published an essay titled “Inappropriate Grievance” in The Korea Times, criticizing a piece called “Teacher’s Tale.” That essay voiced the daily struggle of female teachers in Korea, describing their effort to balance overwhelming school responsibilities with domestic duties. At the time, I admit that I found their complaints frustrating. I believed their mindset was selfish — especially when they described overseas English training programs as a “safe haven” from their burdens. I argued that while they escaped, others had to shoulder their workload and students suffered from the absence of their homeroom teachers. But now, a decade later, I see things differently. The Korean education system has changed — and not for the better. Teachers are no longer respected as moral guides or mentors. Instead, they face hostility, emotional strain and a lack of institutional support. Students, once obedient and curious, now often behave like “wild animals in the jungle,” testing boundaries and disregarding authority. The classroom, once a place of learning, hWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times