Ahn Cheol-soo: "Democratic Party and United Party Do Not Understand the Intent Behind Tuition Refund Demands"

"Ministry of Education Presents Guidelines... Financial Burden on Universities"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, criticized the ruling Democratic Party of Korea and the United Future Party on the 24th regarding university students' demands for tuition refunds. He said, “In the case of the Democratic Party, they initially claimed they would provide direct support to students, which was different from the original intent, but then they started saying the same things as the government,” and added, “The United Future Party says they will provide targeted support to vulnerable groups and students, but I think this is also a claim that completely misunderstands the purpose.”

At an emergency roundtable urging university tuition refunds held at the National Assembly Members’ Office Building that afternoon, Ahn said, “Although various measures are being prepared in the National Assembly, I am very concerned that the parties may not be properly understanding the issue.”

Ahn emphasized, “Our position is that the Ministry of Education should take the lead and present standards and guidelines for tuition refunds,” and added, “It is in line with students’ demands that the financial burden of refunds be borne by universities, and the difficulties universities face due to COVID-19 should be supported through other means.”

Ahn stated, “The Ministry of Education usually interferes with even the smallest matters at schools and takes credit for it. However, when it comes to situations where it is truly necessary and they might be criticized, they withdraw,” and urged once again, “I call on the Ministry of Education to create guidelines.”

Ahn pointed out, “The government is acting inconsistently regarding finances,” and said, “While the government says tuition refunds should be borne by universities and that support will be provided through other means, in reality, the budget for university support projects was cut in the third supplementary budget.”

Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, is attending an emergency roundtable discussion on "Urging the Return of University Tuition Fees" held at the National Assembly on the 24th, engaging in a discussion with university students. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Student council presidents from universities in each region urged the government and the National Assembly to come up with countermeasures that day. Lee Hae-ji, executive committee member of the National University Student Council Network, said, “The solution students demand is the refund of unused tuition balance and the announcement of guidelines by the Ministry of Education,” and added, “It is time for the government, the National Assembly, and universities to respond to students’ demands.”

Park Geon-jin, executive committee member of the policy bureau of the National University Student Council Network, said, “Students feel unfairness because they pay the same tuition as last year but do not receive proper education and cannot even properly use school facilities,” and criticized, “Schools claim that tuition was used for quarantine and other purposes, but they do not disclose the details. In this situation, refusing to refund tuition only shifts the burden onto students.”

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