[Anchor]
Yesterday, we reported that a specialized high school in North Chungcheong Province had a smoking area tacitly approved by the principal, and a fire broke out while students were smoking there. As the Office of Education launched an on-site inspection today, it has been confirmed that another similar smoking area exists at the school.
Reporter Cho Min-ki has the details.
[Reporter]
A specialized high school in Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province.
Following yesterday's SBS report that a fire broke out on the 23rd due to students smoking on campus, and that the space had routinely been used as a smoking area by both the principal and students, the North Chungcheong Office of Education initiated an on-site inspection today.
An official from the Office of Education explained, "We have requested the principal to submit a statement of explanation regarding how the smoking area was set up and why the principal raised their voice at the student who filmed the fire."
The Office of Education plans to review the principal's statement and proceed with audit procedures if necessary.
This afternoon, discussions were also held at the school level regarding disciplinary actions for the two students who started the fire.
A school official stated, "An initial conclusion has been reached, but the results cannot be disclosed to the outside."
The official added that students were provided with fire evacuation guidelines and smoking prevention education.
[Student at School A: We watched things like prevention education videos, saying that males smoke more than females, and if you smoke you get lung cancer, things like that.]
However, tips came in today indicating that students were smoking again in another vacant lot on campus designated as a smoking area.
[Student at School A: Just like before, groups of three or four walk around and smoke near the garbage dump, but the teachers just turn a blind eye knowing everything.]
The student who filmed the fire video was even nearly assaulted by a student who smokes, prompting the school to separate the two students.
[Student at School A: (A classmate) said, 'Are you kidding me, why are you reporting to the news?' and swung a fist at me like this. I jerked back right then.]
Aside from the on-site inspection, the Office of Education decided to investigate the additional campus smoking areas and the adequacy of student protection measures.
(Camera Piovt: Lee Sang-hak, Video Editing: Shin Se-eun, Design: Lee Jong-jung)
[Right of Reply Report] Regarding reports including <'Dispose of cigarette butts properly' in front of all students... The smoking area created by the principal>
Regarding this report, the principal's side stated, "That space existed even before the principal took office, and the principal neither newly created a smoking area nor tacitly approved student smoking. The Office of Education's site visit was a procedure following the school's report on the day of the fire and was scheduled regardless of the reporting. The message sent to parents was intended to ask them to refrain from spreading negative images about the school."
This report is in accordance with the mediation of the Press Arbitration Commission.
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