Increase in Student Dropouts in Jeonnam... Public Trust in Education Shaken by Spread of 'Strategic Dropouts'

Park Wonjong Highlights Surge in Qualification Exam Choices
to Avoid School Record and Grade Pressure
"Jeonnam Not an Exception to National Trend"
Dropout Reasons Becoming More Diverse

Park Wonjong, a member of the Jeonnam Provincial Council (Democratic Party of Korea, Yeonggwang 1), raised concerns during the administrative audit of the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education on November 14, pointing out the recent rise in student dropouts. He warned that this trend is a structural signal that could lead to a decline in public trust in the public education system.

Assemblyman Park stated, "As the college admissions system becomes increasingly focused on school records, more students are choosing to drop out and take the qualification exam, known as 'strategic dropouts,' to avoid the pressure of student records and grades. Just as recent reports indicate that the number of university freshmen who passed the qualification exam has doubled over the past five years, it will be difficult for Jeonnam Province to avoid this trend."

At the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education administrative audit, Deputy Superintendent Hwang Seonghwan is responding to Assemblyman Park Wonjong's criticism regarding student dropout issues. Provided by Jeonnam Provincial Council

He added, "Looking at the reasons for dropouts in the Jeonnam region, the proportion of students choosing the qualification exam is rising, and dropouts due to school maladjustment are also increasing. Although the dropout rate is not higher than the national average, now is the time for proactive measures."

He further stressed, "In-depth interviews and comprehensive surveys are essential to accurately identify why students are leaving school. A structural assessment is needed, including whether expectations and trust in public education are declining."

In response, Deputy Superintendent Hwang Seonghwan said, "I agree on the need to analyze trends within the province and develop support measures. We will respond by preparing college admissions support measures to help students continue their studies."

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