Ministry of Education "Actively Promoting AI Textbooks... Not a Matter to Be Influenced by Political Situations"

Announcement of Comprehensive Measures for Deferred Integration Postponed
"Discussion Needed Rather Than Impeachment Crisis"

The Ministry of Education has expressed its determination to carry out tasks such as AI digital textbooks and the integration of childcare and education without disruption, even amid political turmoil including the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol.

At a regular briefing on the 16th, Ministry of Education spokesperson Koo Yeon-hee said, "Now is a time when it is very necessary for the education field to change through means like AI digital textbooks," adding, "This is not an issue to be swayed by any political situation, and we must actively and successfully push forward."

Yonhap News

After the declaration of martial law on December 3rd, concerns arose that the government-led major policy tasks could not be properly implemented following the passage of President Yoon’s impeachment motion in the National Assembly on the 14th. The Ministry of Education is one of the ministries with many tasks related to President Yoon’s 'education reform,' including the integration of childcare and education, AI digital textbooks, and the expansion of medical school admissions.

The Ministry of Education made it clear that AI digital textbooks will be introduced without disruption in time for the start of the semester in March next year. Spokesperson Koo said, "(The AI digital textbook) evaluation results have already been announced, and schools are now in the selection phase," adding, "Teachers will receive training using the textbooks selected by schools, and from March, they will function as official textbooks, so it should proceed without major difficulties under the current circumstances, and we will do our best."

She also emphasized why AI digital textbooks are necessary in the education field at this point. Spokesperson Koo explained, "The mere introduction of AI digital textbooks into schools can bring about significant changes. Some media have questioned, 'How is this different from digital worksheets?' but there are many students who have not even received those digital worksheets." She added, "Just as EBS previously helped to reduce regional disparities, AI digital textbooks alone are expected to help alleviate such disparities."

Regarding another key task, the integration of childcare and education, although the final plan announcement has been postponed, the policy implementation will continue. Spokesperson Koo said, "The budget for the integration of childcare and education has already been secured," adding, "We planned to announce the comprehensive plan by the end of this year, but the timing may be delayed; however, it is being carried out normally." She further explained that the delay in the announcement was "not because of the impeachment political situation, but because more discussion is needed."

Spokesperson Koo stated, "The Ministry of Education hopes that such very important momentum tasks will not be stranded due to other reasons," and added, "Ministry of Education staff will do their best to ensure these tasks succeed well."