Deputy Prime Minister Yoo Eun-hye: "Consistent Promotion of Converting Foreign Language High Schools and Autonomous Private High Schools to General High Schools"

At the First New Year's Meeting, Emphasis Reiterated on 'Education Reform'... Strengthening the Role of the 'Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs'

Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hye is delivering a welcoming speech at the 1st Human Investment and Talent Development Council and the 15th Social Relations Ministers' Meeting for the Realization of an Inclusive Nation held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 11th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] "During the five-year grace period, each school can adjust its curriculum, and even afterward, the school names or specialized curricula can continue to operate. The Ministry of Education has also conducted all necessary legal reviews in advance, so there is no problem in maintaining policy consistency."

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hye (photo) stated regarding the legal response plans of foreign language high schools and autonomous private high schools (Jasago) opposing the transition to general high schools, "This was expected, and after legal review, it was judged not to violate the constitution." She also said, "We will accelerate education reform," indicating a strong drive to abolish foreign language high schools and Jasago, a national agenda.

On the evening of the 7th, Yoo met with reporters at a restaurant in Sejong City and shared her thoughts and determination after retaining her ministerial position. At this meeting, Yoo said, "I hope this year will be one in which the role of the Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs is greatly strengthened to enhance social trust," and added, "Regarding education policy, we will speed up the national agenda to ensure that the public experiences substantial, genuine, and definite changes."

Through collaborative policies for an inclusive society with various ministries, the basic life at each stage of citizens' life cycles will be guaranteed, and the social safety net will be further strengthened. Yoo emphasized, "In public sectors including education's public nature, medical care, housing, and transportation, we will ensure there are no disparities or discrimination based on class, region, or environment, and resolve the extreme polarization issues."

Regarding the legal responses of foreign language high schools and Jasago, she said, "Even if disputes inevitably arise, we will try to minimize them, but for a certain period, it may be unavoidable," and added, "From the Ministry of Education's standpoint, we will fully and actively explain and persuade the public about the intent and significance of such policies."

The Ministry of Education plans to release a revised curriculum for education and teacher training colleges by the first half of this year at the latest, in response to the sharp decline in the school-age population. The ministry's position is that overall changes must be considered, including teacher supply and demand, teacher reassignment due to system changes, teacher retraining, and strengthening expertise following the implementation of the high school credit system.

Although included in the national agenda, the establishment and launch of the National Education Committee, which was not even discussed in the National Assembly last year, will be pursued again. Yoo added, "We will promote social public discussion on the establishment of the National Education Committee to lead mid- to long-term policy design in the education sector and actively strive to launch it within this year."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.