The editorial recalled that the Teachers' Union made public a declaration on the situation against the authorities' move on Oct. 29.

The teachers described the introduction of the "state-compiled" history textbook as an act of eulogizing pro-Japanese elements and dictatorship, evincing their will never to tolerate the forces denying history, the editorial said, adding:

The present regime is suppressing members of the union and other conscience-minded teachers who took part in the above-said action.

The Education Ministry on Nov. 12 sent official documents instructing the punishment of all the teachers who took part in the action to 17 city and provincial education agencies, an unprecedented suppression under the pretext of security.

The Ministry also filed a complaint to the prosecution against all leading members of the union on charges of violation of "law on public officials" on Nov. 5.

The present authorities' punishment of the teachers is an act of turning the wheel of history backward and a dictatorial action.