The production news of the drama 'The Elementary School Student I Love', which is based on the romantic feelings between a female teacher and her elementary school student, has prompted the teachers' organization to call for a halt to production.
The Korean Federation of Teachers' Associations issued a press release on the 1st, stating, "Attempts to sexualize children under the pretext of creativity and artistic originality can never be justified."
It further expressed, "Considering the negative impact this drama may have on society and the educational field, as well as the potential violence that could be inflicted on children and adolescents, we strongly urge an immediate halt to production."
Additionally, the teachers' association pointed out that the narrative of a teacher sharing private feelings with a minor student and developing it into a romantic relationship cannot be dismissed as romance or fantasy, calling it "a clear glorification of grooming crimes."
The teachers' association, which has stated its position to immediately withdraw the production and broadcasting plans, also demanded that relevant agencies, including the Korea Communications Standards Commission, thoroughly review the social harm and child protection aspects and conduct strict evaluations, as well as strengthen institutional measures to eradicate the production of content that poses concerns for the protection of children and adolescents and the degradation of educational values.
The original webtoon 'The Elementary School Student I Love' features the protagonist, Sim Cheong-a, who becomes an elementary school teacher, getting dumped by her boyfriend and giving up on romance, only to discover that the skilled player she met in an online game is her elementary school student, Lim Dang-su, leading to a romance that unfolds when a fellow teacher finds out.
The webtoon has been serialized on platforms such as Naver Series, Comico, OneStory, Ridi, and Kyobo Bookstore, and it also received an excellence award at the 1st World Comic Contest.
The drama is reported to be directed by Jeong Seong-hyun, with the script written by Jeong Se-hyeok. As of now, specific broadcasting schedules and the cast lineup are undecided.
[Kim Mi-ji, Star Today Reporter]
