A visitor browses works by Nobel Prize-winning author Han Kang at the Kyobo Bookstore in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, Oct. 16. Yonhap

A nationwide parent group called for the removal of Nobel Prize laureate Han Kang's "The Vegetarian" from school libraries, arguing that it is harmful to minors.

In a statement released Tuesday, the Confederation of National Parents' Associations said, "A book with extreme and violent content should not be placed in elementary, middle or high school libraries simply because it was written by a Nobel laureate."

They claimed that the novel should be classified as "harmful" media for the youth. As of Tuesday night, more than 10,000 people had signed the petition supporting this demand.

The group also called out Jung Keun-sik, the newly elected superintendent of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, asking, "Has the superintendent himself read "The Vegetarian" entirely? Would he recommend it as required reading for his underage grandchildren?"

The federation has a history of aligning with conservative values in terms of education. The group has also actively protested against various social issues, including same-sex relationships.

Controversy over "The Vegetarian" also surfaced during a National Assembly audit, Tuesday. It was revealed that last year, the Gyeonggi Office of Education received press releases from conservative groups, which led to several schools in the region discarding over 2,500 books, including "The Vegetarian," citing concerns over sexual content.

During the National Assembly session, Yim Tae-hee, superintendent of education in Gyeonggi Province, said, "I read 'The Vegetarian,' and it is a deeply thoughtful work," but added, "Certain sections, such as those involving Mongolian spots, did make me uncomfortable, and I can see how students might feel the same way."

In response, Rep. Jeong Eul-ho of the opposition Democratic Party of Korea criticized the decision, calling it "an anachronistic form of book censorship," while fellow lawmaker Ko Min-jung condemned the Gyeonggi Education Office for issuing multiple directives to schools on how to handle books, saying this amounted to "censorship or coercion."

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.