[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] The Democratic Party of Korea and the Ministry of Education discussed measures regarding the delayed opening of kindergartens and elementary, middle, and high schools due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) on the 29th, including whether to attend school in person and online openings. The decision on whether and how to open schools is scheduled to be made between the 30th and 31st.
At the meeting held that day, the party and government gathered field opinions that attending school on the scheduled opening day of the 6th next month is difficult amid the ongoing spread of COVID-19, and reviewed ways to guarantee students' right to learn through online openings and remote education.
Assemblyman Cho Seung-rae, who serves as the secretary of the Democratic Party’s ‘COVID-19 Overcoming Committee Care TF,’ held a press conference at the National Assembly in the afternoon to announce the results of the consultation, stating, “It is also true that children’s right to learn is being infringed due to the delayed school opening,” and added, “We asked the government to prepare platforms for remote education over the course of a week.”
He continued, “Since children’s safety and health are important, the issue of whether to attend school will prioritize the judgment of the quarantine authorities and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency,” and added, “Once a decision is made, the party will respect the government’s judgment.”
After the press conference, Assemblyman Cho told reporters, “It seems that opinions have somewhat converged on the fact that attending school on the opening day is practically difficult,” and said, “We need to consider whether to conduct online openings simultaneously or to differentiate by school level.”
Regarding regional school openings, he explained, “Since the university entrance exam issue is involved, there is an equity issue with high school openings,” and added, “Just as when the Pohang earthquake occurred, the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) was postponed nationwide, not only in Pohang, Daegu has over 200 confirmed student cases making it difficult to open schools, so it would be difficult for other regions to open as well.”
Regarding online opening measures, he said, “The education offices are conducting a full survey on whether remote education is possible, including devices and communication environments. Even if attending school is not possible, preparations are being made to enable remote education, and the decision will be announced by around the 31st at the latest.”
On the September semester system, he said, “It is not under consideration,” but added, “However, some metropolitan and provincial superintendents of education are advocating for it. We need to see if social consensus can be formed while observing the pandemic situation.”
Based on the discussions that day, the party and government plan to decide on whether and how to open schools between the 30th and 31st.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
![User Who Sold Erroneously Deposited Bitcoins to Repay Debt and Fund Entertainment... What Did the Supreme Court Decide in 2021? [Legal Issue Check]](https://cwcontent.asiae.co.kr/asiaresize/183/2026020910431234020_1770601391.png)
