2nd Anniversary Press Corps Meeting
Budget Negotiations for Medical School Quota Adjustment in 2026
AIDT "On-site Training in December After Physical Reveal"
"Educational Reform Blossoms to Resolve Imbalances"
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Lee Ju-ho stated that the free education policy, starting with 5-year-olds next year, will be funded by the national treasury.
On the evening of the 11th, during a meeting with the press corps held in Eojin-dong, Sejong City, Deputy Prime Minister Lee responded to questions about the 'budget for implementing free education for 5-year-olds' by saying, "From our (Ministry of Education's) perspective, it is feasible."
Park Sung-min, Director of Planning and Coordination, also added, "The budget for the integration of early childhood education and care is the top priority for the Deputy Prime Minister during the National Assembly’s Budget and Accounts Committee review," and explained, "Vice ministers, directors, and bureau chiefs are also working hard to secure the budget for the integration of early childhood education and care as the number one project." He further stated that efforts will be made to have the 'three laws on early childhood education and care integration' passed within this year after the bill review committee meeting at the end of this month.
Regarding the passage of the bill to support high school free education expenses with national funds, Deputy Prime Minister Lee said, "Before being the Minister of Education, I am a member of the Cabinet and must be concerned about the overall national finances, so it is difficult to ask for exceptions just for us," adding, "We are currently seeking some understanding from the opposition party regarding the bill’s passage." He also mentioned, "We have financial projection results that show sufficient funds even after considering additional financial demands such as AIDT (Artificial Intelligence Digital Textbooks) and Neulbom Schools."
Budget Adjustments Needed if 2026 Medical School Expansion Scale is Reduced
Regarding the situation where medical students have continued to boycott classes for the past year in protest against the 'increase in medical school quotas,' Deputy Prime Minister Lee repeatedly expressed regret, saying, "I feel sorry as the minister." He added, "The Ministry of Education made every effort, but the wall of distrust was high. Now that trust restoration has begun through the ruling and opposition parliamentary consultative body, the Ministry of Education will communicate more proactively and openly."
In response to the question, "If the scale of the 2026 medical school quota increase is reduced, will the investment in medical schools also change?" Choi Eun-hee, Director of Talent Policy, explained, "If there is a change in the quota, we will actually need to consult with related ministries accordingly," and added, "We will also consult with the university field and make adjustments at a reasonable level."
It was explained that after the completion of the AI digital textbook review and revision work on the 29th, practical tasks such as physical release, field distribution, and teacher training will begin next month. Song Geun-hyung, Director of Digital Education Planning, said, "After the certification is completed on the 29th, teachers will likely have concerns about which textbooks to choose and how," and explained, "In December, training will first be conducted at schools using the AID checklist." He added that an environment will be prepared to allow access to the actual AID materials after the January vacation.
Deputy Prime Minister Lee emphasized, "The overall (global) trend is definitely moving toward greater use of digital devices and software in schools," and said, "Although Korea has been behind until now, AID presents an opportunity to become a leader."
Regarding the recent death of a special education teacher due to malicious complaints, Deputy Prime Minister Lee said, "We are about to announce policies to reduce the burden on special education and special teachers," and added, "We are making progress by incorporating feedback through meetings with teachers."
"The Nine Major Education Reform Tasks Will Blossom Next Year"
Regarding President Yoon Seok-yeol’s emphasis on measures to overcome 'educational imbalance,' Deputy Prime Minister Lee said, "It is embedded in the nine major education reform tasks," and added, "This year’s policies have begun to take root, and when they start to blossom next year, the public will feel that educational equity and imbalance are being corrected."
Marking his second anniversary in office this month, Deputy Prime Minister Lee said, "I believe that educational change has now officially begun, and the roots of education reform are well established in the field," and added, "To enhance policy trust, we have made various communication efforts such as meetings and school platforms together." He emphasized that efforts are being made to implement the nine major education reform tasks, including early childhood education integration, AID, the 2028 college entrance exam reform plan, and education development special zones.
In closing, he said, "Two years have really flown by," and added, "Although there are many regrets, I will do my best every day to ensure more achievements during the remaining period."
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