The principal of Choongam High School, Lee Yoon-chan, expressed concerns at a National Assembly education committee meeting about the challenges faced by the school amid heightened tensions related to a state of emergency. Choongam High, the alma mater of President Yoon Suk-yeol and former Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun, has recently requested increased police patrols to ensure the safety of students and staff following the influx of criticism directed at the school.
Reports indicate that backlash, including abusive phone calls and disruptions to school operations, arose after Choongam High was associated with figures mentioned as instigators of the emergency. As a result, students have faced harassment and ridicule, prompting the school to allow students to wear casual clothes instead of uniforms until February as a temporary measure.
Lee Yoon-chan recounted that President Yoon visited the school in September 2021, during his presidential candidacy, despite requests to minimize visitors due to COVID-19 concerns and election regulations. He noted the initial intention to restrict the group to twenty people, yet over 150 visitors arrived. The principal and school authorities appeal for an end to unwarranted criticism, mentioning that these alumni graduated decades ago and have had no contact with current students or staff.