Seoul Education Chief Ousted After Supreme Court Upholds Power Abuse Conviction

Seoul’s education chief, Cho Hee-yeon, has been stripped of his position after the Supreme Court upheld a suspended sentence against him for abusing his power. The court confirmed the 18-month prison term, suspended for two years, for Cho’s involvement in the reinstatement of dismissed teachers several years ago. This decision forces Cho to step down, as the law mandates resignation for superintendents facing confirmed imprisonment sentences. Cho, elected for a third term in 2022, was accused of abusing his authority to reinstate five dismissed teachers, including former members of a teachers’ union. A by-election to choose Seoul’s next education chief is scheduled for October 16th.