AI Combined with One-on-One Customized Learning... Growing into a Unique Edutech Company

Interview with Dishear CEO Lee Su-ok... Advantages of 1:1 Customized Learning Solutions
Completion of Generative AI Platform Development Next Year... Application in the Field
Exploring Entry into Various Education Markets Based on Competitiveness in Entrance Exam Education

"Beyond just 'teaching well,' we take an interest in and manage how much students truly understand." The competitiveness of D-Share, as explained by CEO Lee Su-ok, aligns with the essence of the education industry. It is not enough to create good educational content and provide it; careful attention is paid to how students receive and absorb it. This has been the driving force behind D-Share's growth for over 10 years in South Korea's education market, where competition is as intense as the passion for education. So far, 130,000 students have passed through D-Share, and its flagship brand, 'A.Dot English Academy,' operates 80 directly managed branches nationwide. Last year, they also launched 'A.Doton,' a 100% non-face-to-face online service. Now, D-Share is preparing to take a step forward as an edutech company by applying artificial intelligence (AI) technology to its existing strengths. We spoke with CEO Lee, who has been leading this growth since last month.

Lee Su-ok, CEO of DeShare, is being interviewed by Asia Economy. Photo by Jo Yong-jun jun21@

CEO Lee said, "We will integrate over 130,000 pieces of accumulated learning data from the past 13 years of teaching students with AI technology to quickly identify students' weaknesses and maximize educational effectiveness." D-Share started its business in 2011 based on entrance exam English education. It combines the advantages of online and offline classes to offer one-on-one customized learning tailored to each student's level. Approximately 600 instructors selected and trained by D-Share individually manage students' progress and meticulously monitor whether they have completed the required studies. This is to ensure that no one is left behind in education despite differences in student levels. CEO Lee introduced, "We put a lot of effort into properly understanding students and adjusting the amount and difficulty of lessons according to their levels and needs, embracing the diversity of students."

CEO Lee explained that because they have consistently adhered to this customized one-on-one teaching method, they were able to secure high-quality data essential for applying AI technology. They develop AI services actually used by about 600 instructors and 15,000 students annually, continuously improving AI models based on feedback from the field.

For example, through their self-developed AI model, they provide AI tests that do not simply encourage students to solve many problems but prioritize problems that include key factors for improving grades. In the first half of this year, they also introduced a 'Forgetting Curve Review Service,' where AI analyzes students' learning patterns and provides optimal problems at the most precise timing. They are also developing a generative AI platform. CEO Lee said, "By the first half of next year, the development of a generative AI platform for problem variation that can be used directly in the field will be completed," adding, "We will be able to respond faster than any other education company to the revised curriculum changes."

Lee Su-ok, CEO of DeShare, is being interviewed by Asia Economy. Photo by Jo Yong-jun jun21@

She also mentioned that AI technology is used to quickly respond to the changing education system. "The current curriculum is shifting toward offering students various choices and customized education. We will continuously integrate IT technology into existing services to further advance data-driven one-on-one personalized learning," CEO Lee explained.

Based on this, they plan to expand their business areas in the education market. CEO Lee said, "We are actively considering subject expansion," and added, "Although we are currently focusing on entrance exam education, we are also exploring opportunities to enter various education markets such as lifelong education in line with the changing market."