Kindergarten under investigation after teacher dies allegedly from working while sick




 

A kindergarten teacher in Bucheon, South Korea, died after continuing to work while suffering from influenza. The case has raised serious concerns about workplace safety and health rules.

The teacher began feeling sick after attending a school event in January. She later developed a high fever and was diagnosed with influenza B. Even though the kindergarten knew about her condition, she was allowed to continue working and was not advised to take sick leave.

She worked for three more days after her diagnosis. On her last day, her fever rose to nearly 40°C, and she had to leave early. Her condition worsened quickly, and she died on February 14.

Authorities say the kindergarten did not follow health guidelines from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the Ministry of Education. These guidelines recommend that sick staff stay home until they fully recover to prevent spreading infection.

The case became more controversial after the teacher’s family claimed the kindergarten created a fake resignation letter using her name before her death. The school said it was a mistake and apologized. Education officials are now investigating the situation and may involve the police.

Edited using generative AI tools.
Source: https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2026-03-27/national/socialAffairs/Kindergarten-under-investigation-after-teacher-dies-allegedly-from-working-while-sick/2555496

Comprehension

Where did the incident happen?
What illness did the teacher have?
How long did she continue working after her diagnosis?
What did the kindergarten fail to do according to health guidelines?
What issue made the case more controversial after her death?

Discussion

Do you think the kindergarten was responsible for the teacher’s death? Why or why not?
Why is it important for sick employees to stay home from work?
Have you ever felt pressure to work or study while sick? What happened?
What should employers do to protect workers’ health?
Do you think health guidelines should be mandatory (required by law)? Why or why not?
How serious is it to create or use a fake document in the workplace?
What lessons can schools and companies learn from this incident?
How can society better support workers so they don’t feel forced to work while ill?

Vocabulary

Influenza – a serious illness (flu) that causes fever and weakness
Diagnosis – the identification of a disease by a doctor
Sick leave – time off from work because of illness
Guidelines – official advice or rules on how to do something
Controversial – causing public disagreement or debate