[Sportschosun Reporter Jo Min-jeong] Webtoon artist Joo Ho-min has revealed plans to establish an alternative school for children with developmental disabilities.
On the 10th, Joo Ho-min shared his thoughts on the current state of education for people with developmental disabilities and the ongoing trial at the Supreme Court of Korea through his YouTube channel, Jupel.
That day, he said he was focusing on preparing to open a school for children with developmental disabilities, adding, "No matter what the outcome is, I will keep going my own way." Joo Ho-min said he was paying attention to so-called "gray-zone" children who are left out of the current education system.
He explained, "There are many children who are doing well enough to avoid special schools, but have trouble adjusting to regular schools or inclusive classrooms," and added, "There are far more of these children than people think." He continued, "While running a self-help group in the neighborhood, the idea came up three years ago to build a school where these children could study," and said, "We are now preparing a small-scale school with our neighbors." Joo Ho-min also said with a laugh, "People used to tell me, 'Then you teach them yourself,' and in the end, that is really what happened."
He also commented on the case involving a special education teacher, which is now awaiting a ruling from the Supreme Court of Korea.
Joo Ho-min said, "No matter whether I am found not guilty or the result is different, the people who want to criticize me will keep criticizing me," adding, "But by then, I will be studying at school with children in the gray zone." He also showed his commitment to the alternative school, saying, "I even plan to drive the school bus myself." He emphasized, "Regardless of the Supreme Court of Korea's decision, I will keep doing what I have to do," and added, "I will focus on creating a space for children in the gray zone."
Meanwhile, in 2022, Joo Ho-min filed a complaint against a special education teacher on charges of emotionally abusing his child with developmental disabilities. The teacher was acquitted on appeal, and the case is now awaiting a decision from the Supreme Court of Korea.
Jo Min-jeong mj.cho@sportschosun.com
