25.05.27.Today News : Elementary School Student Assaults Teacher in Gyeonggi / Soprano Jo Sumi Awarded France's Highest Arts and Culture Honor

1. Elementary School Student Assaults Teacher in Gyeonggi

• Violent incident in Gunpo-Ouiwang elementary school raises concerns over teacher safety; KTU demands strong response

A shocking incident of student-on-teacher violence in a Gyeonggi Province elementary school has prompted local education authorities to intervene for teacher protection.

A student assaulted a classroom teacher at an elementary school in Gyeonggi Province, prompting education authorities to take action.

On May 9 at around 1:15 p.m., a third-grade student at an elementary school in Gunpo, Gyeonggi Province, physically assaulted his homeroom teacher during class. According to the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education and the Gyeonggi branch of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU), the teacher was distributing math test results and conducting error correction when the student attacked.

The student, identified as “A,” reportedly shouted, “No, I got everything right,” upon reviewing his incorrect answers and proceeded to punch and kick the teacher’s knees, hands, and ankles.

In response, the Gunpo-Ouiwang Office of Education requested the school convene a regional Teacher Rights Protection Committee. The victimized teacher was offered psychological counseling and granted special leave and medical time off, effectively separating them from the student.

The student later submitted a written apology to the teacher with his parents.

The KTU’s Gyeonggi branch issued a press release condemning the violence as an act that undermines the foundation of public education. They stated, “The perpetrator even said, ‘I came here to ruin the class today,’ yet no adequate protection was provided for the teacher or other students.”

They further criticized the current implementation of the revised Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which now allows for student separation and physical restraint in such cases. “The law exists, but its application in schools remains virtually ineffective,” the union said.

The KTU announced plans to launch a petition campaign, deliver the results to the National Assembly, the Ministry of Education, and the Gyeonggi Education Office, and actively participate in future legislative discussions on teacher rights protection.

An official from the Gunpo-Ouiwang Office of Education confirmed, “We plan to promptly hold a Teacher Rights Protection Committee meeting to address the matter and take appropriate action regarding the student.”

One-line summary : A student in a Gyeonggi Province elementary school assaulted his homeroom teacher, prompting education authorities to initiate teacher protection measures.

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2. Soprano Jo Sumi Awarded France's Highest Arts and Culture Honor

• Renowned opera singer Jo Sumi recognized by French government for artistic contributions

World-renowned soprano Jo Sumi has been awarded the Officier of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government, reaffirming her global impact on classical music and the arts.

Soprano Sumi Cho has been awarded the French Ministry of Culture's highest honor, the Order of Arts and Culture.

Jo Sumi, one of Korea’s most celebrated sopranos, received the prestigious French cultural honor, the “Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres,” from the French government. This award, among the highest honors bestowed upon foreign artists in France, recognizes Jo’s longstanding contributions to the global classical music scene and Franco-Korean cultural exchange.

The award ceremony took place on May 24 at the French Ambassador’s residence in Seoul. French Ambassador to Korea, Philippe Bertand, praised Jo as “a world-class soprano and a major contributor to cultural ties between France and Korea.”

Since her debut in 1986 at the Teatro Comunale di Trieste in Italy, Jo has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious opera and concert stages, consistently representing Asian vocalists on the global stage. She has frequently performed French compositions and even released albums of French chansons, demonstrating her deep appreciation for French culture.

Expressing her gratitude, Jo stated, “I hope music continues to bring Korean and French arts closer together,” and pledged to further promote the value of arts and culture through her work.

Notably, Jo Sumi was previously awarded the “Chevalier” (Knight) rank of the same honor in 2003. The recent upgrade to the “Officier” level is considered rare, indicating the high regard in which she is held by the French government and cultural community.

One-line summary : Famed soprano Jo Sumi has been awarded the Officier of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government, recognizing her global artistic achievements.