1. Introduction to the text
This reading lesson discusses the controversy surrounding Kang Seon-woo, a candidate for the Minister of Gender Equality and Family, and her alleged absence from classes during her time as a professor at Sungkyunkwan University.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 후보자 | hubocha | candidate | Kang Seon-woo, the candidate for the Minister of Gender Equality and Family, is accused of missing classes during her time as a professor. |
| 당시 | dangsi | at that time | At that time, Kang Seon-woo was a professor at Sungkyunkwan University. |
| 장관 | jangwan | minister | Kang Seon-woo’s actions as a professor have called into question her minister qualifications. |
| 교수 | gyosu | professor | Kang Seon-woo was a professor at Sungkyunkwan University before entering politics. |
| 성균관대 | Seonggungwandae | Sungkyunkwan University | Kang Seon-woo was a professor at Sungkyunkwan University. |
| 무단 | mudan | unauthorized, without permission | Kang Seon-woo is accused of unauthorized absences from her classes. |
| 결강 | gyeolgang | skipping/missing a class | Kang Seon-woo is accused of skipping/missing her classes for 5 weeks. |
| 수강생 | sugangseong | student enrolled in a class | The students enrolled in Kang Seon-woo’s classes were outraged by her absences. |
| 분노 | bunno | anger, fury | The students’ anger/fury was directed at Kang Seon-woo’s actions as a professor. |
| 일방적 | ilbangjeok | unilateral | Kang Seon-woo would unilaterally notify students of class cancellations. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
강선우 여성가족부 장관 후보자가 과거 교수 시절 무려 5주나 결강했다는 의혹이 추가로 제기됐다. 당시 수강생들 증언에 따르면 강 후보자는 수업 직전 일방적으로 휴강 통보를 하거나 음성 녹음 파일을 틀어놓고 ‘대체 수업’이라고 하기도 했다.
Kang Seon-woo, the candidate for the Minister of Gender Equality and Family, is accused of missing classes for as long as 5 weeks during her time as a professor. According to the testimony of her former students, Kang would unilaterally notify them of class cancellations right before the scheduled class time, or play an audio recording and call it a “substitute class.”
강 후보자의 무단 결강 이유는 정치 활동 때문이었던 것으로 전해졌다. 강의 계약 뒤 1학기도 채우지 않고 문재인 대선 캠프에 합류하기 위해 학교를 떠났다는 설명이다.
It is reported that the reason for Kang’s unauthorized absences was her political activities. After signing the teaching contract, she left the university without even completing one semester to join the presidential campaign of Moon Jae-in.
당시 수강생 A씨는 강 후보자에 대해 “장관 자격이 없다”고 비판했다. 또 다른 수강생들도 “당시에도 책임감 없이 교수직을 내팽개치는 사람이 어떤 정치를 하겠냐”, “무의미한 수업에 등록금이 아까울 정도” 등 반응을 보였다.
A student, A, criticized Kang, saying that she is not qualified to be a minister. Other students also reacted, questioning how someone who abandoned their professorial responsibilities without a sense of responsibility could be expected to engage in meaningful politics, and expressing that the meaningless classes were a waste of their tuition fees.
강의를 관둔 이후 태도에 대한 지적도 나왔다.
There have also been criticisms regarding Kang’s attitude after leaving her teaching position.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- What is the main controversy surrounding Kang Seon-woo, the candidate for the Minister of Gender Equality and Family?
- How did Kang Seon-woo allegedly handle class cancellations during her time as a professor?
- What was the reason behind Kang Seon-woo’s unauthorized absences from her classes?
- How did Kang Seon-woo’s former students react to her actions as a professor?
- What other criticisms have been made regarding Kang Seon-woo’s attitude after leaving her teaching position?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The controversy surrounding Kang Seon-woo’s alleged unauthorized absences from her classes as a professor at Sungkyunkwan University has raised questions about her qualifications and commitment as a public servant. This incident highlights the importance of accountability and responsibility in both academic and political spheres in Korean society.