"Romance between teacher and elementary student?" Korean Teachers' Union demands drama cancellation

South Korea’s largest teachers' association has voiced strong opposition to an upcoming drama adaptation based on a webtoon that depicts a romantic relationship between a female teacher and her elementary school student.

On July 1, the Korean Federation of Teachers' Associations (KFTA) issued a public statement demanding the cancellation of the recently announced drama 'The Elementary Schooler I Love.' The series is based on a webtoon serialized on platforms like Naver Series and follows a storyline in which a female teacher develops romantic feelings for a student she meets through an online game.

The KFTA criticized the narrative, stating that a plot involving an adult exploiting their position to form emotional ties with an underage student is not a romance but a glamorization of grooming. They called it a serious issue that should not be romanticized under any circumstances.

The organization also condemned the attempt to sexualize minors under the guise of creative expression. They stated that such portrayals cannot be justified and could further erode public trust in the teaching profession.

Concerns were also raised about the potential psychological impact on child actors involved in depicting such sensitive subject matter. The KFTA noted that the experience could have negative emotional and mental effects on young performers.

While acknowledging the importance of creative freedom, the KFTA emphasized that it should not come at the cost of ethical responsibility or child safety. They warned that portraying teachers as grooming perpetrators undermines the credibility of educators and the integrity of the school environment.

The federation outlined several demands including the cancellation of the drama’s production plans, strict review by regulatory agencies such as the Korea Communications Standards Commission, and the implementation of stronger systems to protect children and adolescents from harmful content.

'The Elementary Schooler I Love' is being directed by Jung Sung Hyun and written by screenwriter Jung Se Hyuk. Details about the drama’s release schedule and platform have not yet been announced.