Seoul's Superintendent of Education Jung Keun-sik criticized a standing committee under the Seoul Metropolitan Council for passing a bill that would scrap a contested ordinance guaranteeing students' human rights.

During a press conference on Tuesday morning, Jung said the council's Education Committee had passed the motion Monday night without prior notice, and expressed deep disappointment and concern about the passage, which he argued could spark confusion in schools.

The ordinance in question, which has been in effect in seven cities and provinces since 2010, guarantees students' dignity, value, freedom and human rights, but has been criticized for eroding teachers' authority.

The panel first voted to scrap the ordinance last year, but the Supreme Court kept it in place after the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education sued to block the repeal. 

On Tuesday, Jung criticized the committee for pushing through a second repeal vote even though the Supreme Court's ongoing review of its previous attempt is still ongoing.

The superintendent said the ordinance, enacted in 2012, is a fundamental institutional safeguard that protects students and enhances human rights for everyone, rather than opposing teachers' authority.

Jung then urged the city council to vote down the motion in its plenary session and requested that the National Assembly enact related pending legislation.