President Lee Jae Myung Responds to Question on Reinstating Bar Exam: "There Seems to Be a Problem with the Path to Becoming a Legal Professional"

President Lee Attends "Listening to the Heart of Honam" Event in Gwangju
"Worried It May Become a Hereditary Privilege System, Not a Merit-Based One"

President Lee Jae Myung is holding a "Gwangju Citizens and Jeonnam Residents Town Hall Meeting" at the National Asia Culture Center in Gwangju Metropolitan City on the 25th. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 25th, President Lee Jae Myung stated, "It seems there is a problem with the current path to becoming a legal professional," adding, "Isn't this turning into a kind of hereditary privilege system, rather than a merit-based examination? That is my concern."

President Lee made these remarks during the "Listening to the Heart of Honam" event held at the National Asia Culture Center in Gwangju. In response to a citizen's comment pointing out issues with the law school system and requesting the reinstatement of the bar exam, he replied, "There is indeed a lot of controversy," and gave this answer.

President Lee said, "Personally, since the law school system has already been established for a long time, I do not think abolishing it would be appropriate." However, he also pointed out, "There is no other path except law school. Does it really have to be that way?" He further explained, "If someone is competent, even if they have not graduated from law school, their qualifications as a lawyer could be verified and granted."

President Lee continued, "I have some thoughts on this, but implementing it as policy would spark intense social debate, so I cannot speak lightly." He added, "I will keep your comments in mind and will consider looking into it."

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