'Controversy Over Revision of Elementary School Enrollment Age'... Prime Minister Han Orders "Listen to Public Opinions and Reflect Them in Policy to Prevent Public Anxiety"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Kim Hyewon] Prime Minister Han Duck-soo instructed Park Soon-ae, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, on the 1st regarding the proposal to revise the elementary school enrollment age, saying, "Listen carefully to the diverse opinions of education consumers such as parents to ensure that the public does not feel anxious, and faithfully reflect them in related policies."

The Prime Minister's Office stated that Prime Minister Han said, "We must pay special attention to the fact that each child develops at a different pace, and that each family and school has different circumstances."

The Prime Minister's Office also conveyed that Prime Minister Han instructed to thoroughly listen to the pros and cons and grievances of both education providers and consumers as originally announced, gather expert opinions to prepare supplementary measures, and transparently and thoroughly explain and communicate all processes of policy decision and implementation to education stakeholders and the media.

Earlier, the Ministry of Education sparked controversy by abruptly announcing a plan to lower the elementary school enrollment age from 6 years old to 5 years old (7 years old in Korean age) starting as early as 2025. On the 29th of last month, during a briefing to President Yoon Suk-yeol, the Ministry of Education announced its plan to lower the elementary school enrollment age by one year. If implemented, this would be the first change to South Korea's education system in 76 years since the enactment of the Education Act in 1949.

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