"What Are Our Kids Supposed to Do?"... Sudden Closure Leaves 60 Children Stranded

A franchise English language kindergarten in Busan, operating under a nationwide brand, has sparked controversy after abruptly notifying parents of a suspension of operations and shutting its doors overnight.

According to parents and the Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education today (September 8), Campus A of a language institute in Dongnae-gu, Busan, sent a notice to parents around 7:00 p.m. yesterday stating that classes would be suspended starting today.

Approximately 60 children were enrolled in the kindergarten program of the institute, which operated as an English-style kindergarten, and an elementary program was also run alongside it.

The campus, a franchise of a nationwide brand, is known to have opened early this year, effectively entering the process of closing down just about six months after its opening.

One parent said, "We suddenly received a notice in the evening that they would close starting the next day," adding, "Some 60 children have lost the place they were attending."

Some parents reportedly paid a full year's tuition in advance but have not yet received refunds.

The institute stated, "We had no choice but to abruptly suspend operations due to operational difficulties," adding, "About 20 people prepaid their tuition, and we are currently sorting out the refund issues."

Although the institute has suspended classes, it has not yet filed an official closure report with the competent authority.

Some parents are considering filing criminal complaints.

The Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education has also stepped in to verify the facts.

An official from the city education office said, "We have been unable to reach the institute and plan to check the site," adding, "This is a place where multiple complaints had already been filed regarding tuition refunds for students who withdrew midway."

The education office is guiding affected parents through civil legal relief procedures, such as applying for payment orders, while reviewing additional administrative measures that can be taken.

The headquarters of the language institute has also begun looking into the issues related to the campus.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.