The Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education’s decision to remove more than 2,500 books on sex education, gender equality and feminism from school libraries between March 2023 and Feb. 2024 has sparked a contentious debate in South Korea.

The move aimed to protect students from potential exploitation. However, critics argue that it infringes upon students’ right to education and constitutes de facto censorship, undermining the autonomy of educational institutions.

The Provincial Office of Education prompted the action by issuing directives that urged local elementary schools to report on the status of their library operation committees and provide lists of sexual education