Parents on the Plan to Abolish Foreign Language High Schools: "Announced Without Public Discussion, Provide a Valid Reason"

Foreign Language High School Parents Association Urges Policy Withdrawal and Resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Park Sunae

The National Foreign Language High School Parents' Association is holding a press conference in front of the National Assembly on the 5th, urging the withdrawal of the abolition of foreign language high schools. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] After the Ministry of Education announced its policy to abolish foreign language high schools, parents criticized the unilateral announcement without public discussion and called for the withdrawal of the policy and the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Park Soon-ae.

On the 5th, the National Federation of Parents of Foreign Language High Schools held a press conference in front of the National Assembly, stating, "The unilateral announcement by the Minister of Education without any debate or public hearing is a hasty administration. Present reasonable reasons that students and parents can accept," and demanded, "Park Soon-ae, the Minister of Education who hastily announced the education policy, must resign immediately."

The Parents' Federation expressed concern over "the education authorities pushing public opinion in one direction without any public discussion process involving schools, students, and parents, who are the main participants in education operation and participation," and pointed out, "The behavior of trying to resolve a critical issue that should be thoroughly deliberated within the realm of education solely by political logic in a dichotomous manner can only be understood as the current government treating this issue from a political rather than an educational perspective."

The Parents' Federation stated, "The unique capabilities and know-how of foreign language high schools, which nurture foreign language and humanities learning as well as international sensibility within the framework of our public education instead of costly overseas study or admission to international schools, are difficult to quantify in value," and added, "The existence of foreign language high schools, which cultivate future global talents, is essential for enhancing international competitiveness."

The Parents' Federation emphasized, "If the justification for maintaining science high schools, gifted schools, and autonomous private high schools lies in fulfilling the educational autonomy and diversity of students and parents, then for the sake of policy consistency, the existence of foreign language and international high schools must also be guaranteed," and urged, "The government must immediately withdraw the unilateral and hasty policy to abolish foreign language high schools and come to the dialogue table with at least minimal sincerity."

The Ministry of Education announced on the 29th of last month during a work report that autonomous private high schools (Jasago) will be maintained, but foreign language high schools will be converted into general high schools as part of the high school system reform. Detailed plans for the high school system reform containing this content will be prepared by the end of the year and finalized in the first half of next year.

At the time of the work report, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Park Soon-ae stated, "We are considering abolishing foreign language high schools or converting them into general high schools that autonomously operate special subjects by school."

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