Jin-Kyung Kim, Chair of the National Education Council, "Expecting Passage of the National Education Committee Establishment Act, Launch Anticipated Next Year"

Taking the First Step in Higher Education Reform
Ministry of Education Calls for Change in Both Metropolitan and Provincial Offices of Education

Chairman Kim Jin-kyung of the National Education Council
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] Kim Jin-kyung, Chairperson of the Presidential National Education Council, stated on the 10th, "It is expected that the law related to the establishment of the National Education Commission will be passed within this year, and the preparatory committee can be launched next year."

On the same day, Chairperson Kim held a meeting with reporters covering the Ministry of Education at the Government Complex Sejong and responded regarding the establishment of the National Education Commission. The National Education Council was established as an advisory body directly under the President, and Kim succeeded in being reappointed as chairperson for the 2nd and 3rd terms.

He said, "Since next year will enter the presidential election phase, if the law is not passed within this year, it is expected to be quite difficult to establish (the commission)."

Chairperson Kim emphasized, "Ultimately, the National Education Commission will be the first step in the overall reform of higher education," adding, "It will be difficult without systemic reform."

He also clearly stated that due to the impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), it is no longer possible to follow Western models. Kim explained, "A turning point is needed where the central-level Ministry of Education can accommodate social changes, changes in children, and changes in reality," and added, "The National Education Commission is intended to provide such a framework." He further noted that metropolitan and provincial offices of education, which share roles with the Ministry of Education, must also change together.

Regarding criticism that the National Education Commission would simply increase the number of redundant committees, he suggested the possibility that it could be reduced to a National Education Board under the Ministry of Education and Culture, similar to Finland in the future. Chairperson Kim said, "Considering the overall launch of the next government, nothing has been decided yet on what form it will take," and added, "Controversies will disappear during the preparation process."

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