Cha Jeong-in, chair of the National Education Commission, expressed regret over the controversy surrounding his sister's operation of an unlicensed international school, stating, "It is very unfortunate and regrettable that a family member has caused social unrest." However, he emphasized that he has not communicated with his sister for over ten years and does not support her educational business, firmly denying any involvement in the school's operations.
During a National Assembly audit on October 23, Rep. Seo Beom-soo of the People Power Party pressed Cha, saying, "Recent media reports have revealed serious issues, including delayed tuition refunds and unpaid staff wages at the unlicensed international school run by your sister." He urged Cha to demonstrate accountability as the head of the National Education Commission.
Seo intensified his questioning by highlighting the school's structure and operations. He presented documentation showing that a cooperative with an investment of 10 million won included Cha's sister and brother-in-law as directors, labeling it a "family cooperative." He criticized, "This institution has collected annual tuition fees of 20 to 30 million won from 120 students. Can the public accept that the family of the National Education Commission chair is merely changing the nameplate while operating an unlicensed facility?" He also inquired whether Cha had verified reports that his sister mentioned, "The National Education Commission chair is my brother," during parent meetings.
In response, Cha reiterated that he has had no contact with his sister for over a decade due to family circumstances. He stated, "I learned about her business last July from another sibling and only became aware of the issues on September 6. We have such differing views that we have not communicated, and she knows I do not support her business model, so she did not ask me about it either."
Cha further explained, "As a younger sibling, advising my sister, who is an adult, could send the wrong signal, so I have maintained a strict policy of non-interference. I have not discussed this matter with anyone, including my sister, the Ministry of Education, or local education authorities. I believe it will proceed strictly according to administrative and legal procedures."
The government and the National Assembly have also indicated strong administrative and legal actions. Education Minister Choi Kyo-jin responded to Seo's inquiry about measures, stating, "We have notified the facility of legal violations twice in June and September to prevent illegal operations of unlicensed international schools. The Incheon Education Office plans to file a complaint and request an investigation in November, and we will ensure strict oversight."
Kim Hee-jung, chair of the National Assembly's Education Committee, also noted that a petition submitted by parents and staff of the school regarding the illegal operation of unlicensed international educational facilities meets the requirements for formal review by the committee. She emphasized, "Since the petition includes requests to verify any preferential treatment involving the chair, Cha must work diligently to regain public trust in his policies."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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