Lee Jae-myung Announces Three Major Youth Fairness Policies: 'Revival of Bar Exam, Expansion of Regular Admissions, Fair Hiring' (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Soyeon] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, officially announced on the 31st his pledge to partially revive the bar exam system.

On the morning of the same day, Lee posted on Facebook, "The Lee Jae-myung administration will firmly guarantee the ladder of social mobility for youth through three major fairness policies," unveiling the 'Youth Fairness Policy' centered on the partial revival of the bar exam, expansion of regular admissions, and fair hiring.

Regarding the first pledge, the 'partial revival of the bar exam,' Lee explained that it aims to "open a path to becoming a legal professional without academic restrictions as an exception alongside law schools."

This means that while maintaining the current law school system, the bar exam system will be operated separately. This move is expected to have a significant impact not only on young people aspiring to become legal professionals but also on the legal community as a whole.

Lee had previously expressed his stance that the bar exam should be partially revived. This is the first time he has announced it as an official campaign pledge in this presidential election.

On the 30th of last month, Lee also stated, "I am not suggesting abolishing law schools and switching entirely to the bar exam, but rather opening a path for some to become lawyers without going through law schools," gradually revealing his views on this issue.

As his second policy, Lee proposed adjusting the ratio of regular admissions in university entrance exams, indicating his intention to expand regular admissions compared to the current level.

He said, "For departments where the proportion of early admissions is excessive, we will sufficiently increase the proportion of regular admissions and establish an organization to inspect the fairness of early admissions."

Lee explained, "Neither regular admissions nor early admissions are perfect. If the admission system is overly biased, it causes distrust in the system."

The plan to expand the proportion of regular admissions was included in the '8 Major Education Pledges' announced by the campaign committee on the 10th.

As his third and final policy, Lee proposed "fair hiring based on ability."

He emphasized, "We will prohibit the inclusion of academic background, origin, gender, physical conditions, and family relations on resumes. This system will start in the public sector and gradually expand."

Additionally, he mentioned, "When implementing fair hiring, we will provide incentives such as additional points to promote its spread to the private sector."

Lee apologized, saying, "It is the responsibility of our older generation and politics that, while enjoying abundant opportunities, have neglected unfairness, causing polarization, low growth, and lack of opportunities. I am sorry, very sorry, and again, very sorry."

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