Can a teacher eat a cake that students prepared for Teachers Day? The North Gyeongsang Provincial Office of Education said ahead of Teachers Day that it is not allowed.
On May 14, on social media (SNS) Threads, a photo of a guidance banner titled "Perfect summary of the confusing Improper Solicitation and Graft Act" recently posted on the teacher work portal by the North Gyeongsang Provincial Office of Education drew attention.
The banner included phrases such as "Is a Teachers Day cake party not allowed?" "Are fresh carnation flowers illegal?" and "Is it okay for daycare centers that are not kindergartens?" along with guidance on the types of gifts and actions a teacher may receive.
According to the guidance, it is fine for students to hold a voluntary Teachers Day cake party and share the cake among themselves, but it is not allowed to deliver it to the teacher.
For carnations as well, it is permissible for a student representative to present them in a public setting, but it is not allowed for a student to deliver them individually.
After the details became known, reactions online included comments such as, "It's ridiculous that on Teachers Day the kids are sharing cake while the teacher just watches," and, "From the perspective of teachers in the field, it is upsetting because it feels like being told we are 'people who must not even share cake.'"
Some, however, said, "It's an overreaction—the education office merely promoted guidance interpreting the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, which applies to all schools," and, "The guidance may help reduce foolish mistakes."