Yoon: "Neulbom School, a National Task That Cannot Retreat... Must Succeed Unconditionally" (Comprehensive)

Chaired the 2nd Neulbom School Pan-Government Support Headquarters Meeting
President Yoon: "Our Entire Society Must Unite"

President Yoon Suk-yeol instructed the government on the 6th, saying, "Neulbom School, the core of the national care system, is now a national task that cannot be reversed," and urged, "All ministries should cooperate with the mindset that this is ‘my responsibility’ to ensure unconditional success."

In his opening remarks at the 2nd Neulbom School Inter-Ministerial Support Headquarters meeting held at the Government Complex Sejong in the afternoon, President Yoon said, "With the start of the school term, Neulbom School operations will begin at 2,741 elementary schools nationwide," noting that this is a significant increase from the 459 schools that participated in the pilot operation during the second semester of last year.

The Neulbom School Inter-Ministerial Support Headquarters is a central government-level support system for Neulbom School, composed of ministers from nine related ministries including the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Director of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, and the Vice Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Aging Society and Population Policy. It was launched on the 29th of last month as a follow-up measure to the 6th Central-Local Cooperation Meeting chaired by President Yoon on the 27th of the same month.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon emphasized, "Since the beginning is crucial, please resolve issues on-site immediately and respond swiftly," adding, "Ministers from various ministries are attending, and governors and superintendents of education from provinces and metropolitan cities are participating via video. I ask for your special efforts to ensure the successful operation of Neulbom School."

He continued, "Quickly establishing Neulbom School will greatly contribute to the healthy growth of children and is the best way to alleviate parents' concerns about care," stressing, "Moreover, it will be a very important policy for addressing the urgent low birthrate issue."

He called on not only the government but also local governments, provincial and metropolitan education offices, local businesses, institutions, universities, and experts from various fields to join forces.

President Yoon said, "There are indeed many tasks to prepare, such as creating safe and comfortable spaces, planning quality programs, securing good instructors, and ensuring sufficient personnel," and added, "The government is doing its best, but the entire society must unite its efforts. I repeatedly urge all ministries, led by the Ministry of Education, to cooperate with the mindset that this is ‘my responsibility,’ and for local governments and provincial education offices to mobilize all resources and provide meticulous support."

He also requested parents and local communities, "If you notice any difficulties or issues that need improvement, please feel free to suggest them to schools, education offices, local governments, or the Ministry of Education at any time. Each institution should establish a perfect communication system that allows parents to comfortably make suggestions and ensures prompt handling," and asked, "Please actively participate in talent donations such as one-day special lectures with the spirit of raising children together."

The meeting proceeded with reports and discussions following President Yoon’s opening remarks, including the status of on-site preparations for the first semester Neulbom School operation by Lee Ju-ho, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, cooperation status with related ministries and the private sector, improvement tasks and response plans, and promotion and communication strategies.

At today’s meeting, central government officials in attendance included Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Deputy Prime Minister Lee Ju-ho, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-mok, Director of the Office for Government Policy Coordination Bang Ki-seon, ministers of the Ministry of Science and ICT, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of Employment and Labor, and the Vice Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Aging Society and Population Policy. From local governments, governors and superintendents of education from 17 provinces and metropolitan cities participated.

From the Presidential Office, Secretary General Lee Kwan-seop, Policy Chief Sung Tae-yoon, Senior Secretary for Social Affairs Jang Sang-yoon, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Han Oh-seop, Senior Secretary for Public Relations Lee Do-woon, and Senior Secretary for Science and Technology Park Sang-wook were present.

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