Lee says will do utmost to create conditions for teachers to focus only on education

SEOUL, May 15 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung on Friday pledged his best efforts to create conditions in which teachers can concentrate solely on teaching their students. Lee made the pledge in a message posted on his Facebook account on Teachers' Day amid growing calls for stronger protection for teachers following a recent series of incidents where teachers were subject to abusive behavior by parents and students. "I am well aware that the difficulties and responsibilities (teachers) must shoulder are increasing amid the rapidly changing educational environment," the president noted. "I will do my best to create a better environment in which teachers can devote themselves entirely to education," Lee said, promising "practical support and changes" to help teachers maintain their "passion and sense of calling." "Today's South Korea has been made possible by the efforts and devotion of teachers," the president also commented, expressing his "deep respect and gratitude" to teachers across the country. President Lee Jae Myung speaks while presiding over a meeting with senior aides at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on May 14, 2026. (Yonhap) pbr@yna.co.kr(END)