The publisher of a controversial Korean history textbook said Thursday it would consider canceling publication amid growing criticism of its allegedly slanted depiction of the country’s modern history.

“We’re looking at all possibilities, including the cancellation of publication,” an official from Kyohak Publishing Co. was quoted as saying by Yonhap News.

“We’ll announce our official decision next week.”

The announcement came amid progressive lawmakers and scholars’ request to cancel the authorization of the book authored by conservative scholars.

The publication is among eight textbooks on Korean history approved on Aug. 30 by the National Institute of Korean History, commissioned by the Ministry of Education. They will be used in high schools from next year.

Progressives have accused the book of expressing slanted views, distortions and errors. The authors and conservatives, meanwhile, have called on progressives stop what they call ideologically-driven attacks.

By Oh Kyu-wook (596story@heraldcorp.com)