School of Performing Arts Seoul has been advised by the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education to correct and devise measures against violations of...
A scene from a music video filmed in March 2024 featuring students of School of Performing Arts Seoul, shown in school uniforms cheering during the performance. / Screenshot from YouTube School of Performing Arts Seoul has been advised by the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education to correct and devise measures against violations of student rights, after it was found that the former principal mobilized students for religious events he was personally involved in.
The education office also instructed the school to stop forcing students to take part in religious activities and to improve its outdated facilities. According to findings on September 29, the Student Rights Advocate under the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education issued a “recommendation for corrective action and comprehensive measures regarding violations of learning rights, freedom of religion, and educational environment at special-purpose high schools specializing in performing arts” to School of Performing Arts Seoul. Students reported that “the school mobilizes students for profit-making activities, such as renting out facilities and cooperating with filming projects, for the school’s benefit.” They also said the school ran compulsory worship and chapel sessions during weekly class hours and forced them to attend religious performances. The investigation confirmed that the school had mobilized students for various broadcast shootings and events. In March 2024, the school rented out its facilities for a program to be aired on the BBC and required all first- and second-year students to take part in the filming during class hours. Students were instructed to surround the performers and cheer but were not allowed to leave the space. No consent procedure was carried out, and no make-up classes were offered. Student participation in such events totaled 36 times in 2023, 43 times in 2024, and 7 times between January and May 2025. The education office also found evidence that students were mobilized to build private networks for the former principal and other school officials. In 2023 and 2024, the school had students take part in the “Easter Parade” organized by the Korean Church Association. The former principal, identified as Mr. A, who is also the husband of the school’s chief administrator, served as an advisory committee member for the event. In December 2023, students also participated in a Christmas event under a group registered under Mr. A’s name. School of Performing Arts Seoul holds chapel services for all students every Tuesday during the 5th to 7th periods. The education office said, “The school did not take measures to guarantee students’ choices, such as seeking consent from students and parents or preparing alternative programs.” In December last year, students were also required to watch a Christian play produced and directed by Mr. A and his wife. The school had previously been criticized for making students watch the same play from 2009 to 2017 and covering the ticket fees with the school budget. Even after Mr. A stepped down as principal, the school continued to force students to attend the play. The education office noted, “Although Mr. A has no formal authority, it appears highly likely that he continues to exert influence over the school’s operations.” The investigation also revealed poor educational conditions. The school charges an admission fee of 900,000 won and about 1.95 million won per quarter in tuition and operating support fees. However, on-site inspections found that student practice rooms were located in a section of the underground parking lot, where exhaust fumes and dust could enter. One student, identified as Ms. B, said, “Broken faucets in bathrooms are just the start, and many areas are covered in mold. We pay this much money and even take entrance exams to get into this school, but I really regret coming here. I hope future students don’t have to go through the same experience.” The education office said, “When examining the student rights violations and the school’s mismanagement, it is clear that many of the issues stem from the fact that it operates as a special-purpose high school. There is a need to consider ways to provide education tailored to students’ needs even without the limitations of the special-purpose school system, such as restrictions on public financial support.”
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