Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs Declares "Education Transition"... Phase 2 Reform Aims for 'Zero Private Education'

Yoon Government's Education Reform Transition... Aiming to Restore Trust in Public Education
Promises Essential Measures Like Neulbom School and Early Childhood Integration
Teacher Groups' Concerns Over 'Increased Workload' Addressed with "Thorough Review"

Lee Ju-ho, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, declared this year as a 'turning point in education' and expressed his determination to focus on 'zero private education.' This effectively marks the second phase of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration's education reform, aiming to create a virtuous cycle that reduces the proportion of private education by restoring trust in public education. However, opposition from teachers' organizations concerned about increased burdens on schools is expected to be unavoidable.

In the '2024 Major Policy Implementation Plan of the Ministry of Education' announced by Minister Lee on the afternoon of the 24th at the Government Seoul Office, alternatives for achieving 'zero private education' are placed throughout. Representative policies include ▲ promotion of Neulbom Schools and integration of kindergarten and daycare ▲ classroom revolution to strengthen teachers' authority ▲ university reform to break down hierarchical structures. Minister Lee pointed to these three policies, explaining that "all are fundamental measures against private education."

This plan includes strategies to manage students from early childhood or elementary school stages to lower the rate of entry into private education and to strengthen teachers' capabilities through the restoration of teachers' authority. It also promises an essential remedy to break down the hierarchical university structure, which is the biggest cause fueling the private education market.

Based on these policies, the government intends to accelerate education reform this year. The private education cartel inspections, removal of killer questions, and restoration of teachers' authority carried out last year, the inaugural year of education reform, are evaluated to have achieved some results. A senior government official also stated, "Although measures to eradicate the root causes have not been fully implemented, the government's policy stance on the private education market has been clearly conveyed, so it is certain that a genuine turning point has been reached," adding, "From this year, we expect reform outcomes that the public can tangibly feel."

President Yoon is also supporting the second phase of education reform. After receiving a briefing from the Ministry of Education the previous day, President Yoon mentioned Neulbom Schools and the integration of kindergarten and daycare, saying, "These two policies must succeed to reduce private education expenses," and urged, "Please carefully ensure that the changed systems are clearly felt at the school level."

The variable lies in the opposition and willingness to cooperate from teachers' organizations. The Ministry of Education plans to establish the 'Neulbom Support Office,' a dedicated operating system separate from teachers, by the second semester of this year and complete the dedicated system by hiring local government officials as Neulbom Support Office heads in 2025. However, concerns remain about the possibility of additional workload.

In response to the Ministry of Education's announcement, the Korea Federation of Teachers' Associations (KFTA) demanded, "Detailed plans for separate operation of teachers must be prepared and actually implemented to increase trust in the policy." The Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union also expressed concern, stating, "The nationwide expansion of Neulbom should not be rushed but should be implemented after creating conditions that do not undermine normal education." The teachers' union pointed out, "Due to Neulbom, elementary school students in grades 3 to 6 have had to give up using gyms and various special rooms and conduct physical education in classrooms, which disrupts smooth educational activities," and warned, "Neulbom expansion should not be forced when there are no idle classrooms."

A Ministry of Education official said, "We will carefully review and respond to concerns from the field," adding, "We will focus on implementing policies that parents, students, and the public can all empathize with and feel."