South Korean educators are expected to stage a walk-out to participate in a major rally on Monday. Aiming to demand better rights for educators, the protest is set to commemorate a 23-year-old teacher who took her life in July. This mobilization comes despite the government’s initial warning of potential disciplinary actions. However, Education Minister Lee Ju-ho has adopted a softer stance, urging educators to remain at schools while emphasizing students’ need for their presence.

The eve of the rally was marred by the news that two more teachers, one from Seoul and the other from North Jeolla Province, committed suicide, intensifying the spotlight on the educators’ movement. Saturday’s protest drew over 200,000 supporters in front of the National Assembly. Teachers are particularly frustrated with South Korea’s Child Welfare Act, arguing that its vagueness allows for unfounded child abuse allegations against them.