[Education in Korea, Lost Its Way]⑭Im Jungmook: "Seoul National University Must Relinquish Its Privileges and Break University Hierarchy... Lead Education Reform" [Interview]

Interview with the Chairman of the Seoul National University Professors' Association on the Education Reform Proposal
"Seoul National University must take the lead to gain public support for education reform"
"Integrate middle and high schools to help students explore their aptitudes,
convert the CSAT to a qualification exam, and allow multiple attempts"
"Let's pursue a joint degree program between Seoul National University and national universities"

The Seoul National University Professors' Association, which includes all 2,300 professors at Seoul National University, announced an education reform proposal in April. In the proposal, the association suggested integrating the middle and high school systems into a single six-year system to provide a curriculum focused on exploring students' aptitudes. It also proposed that universities should have autonomy in selecting students and allowing admission without a declared major. Additionally, the association suggested introducing a joint degree program between Seoul National University and regional flagship national universities, and replacing the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) with a qualification exam to be taken three to four times. The association stated, "It is difficult to solve our society's accumulated problems, such as private education, polarization, and population decline, with piecemeal solutions," and added, "We propose to the government and the public that the education system should be rebuilt from the ground up."

Im Jungmook, chairman of the Seoul National University Professors' Association, is being interviewed by Asia Economy at his office in Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yongjun

This is the first time since its founding in 1960 that the Seoul National University Professors' Association has presented an education reform proposal. This reflects how serious the association perceives the problems in Korea's education system to be. In particular, the proposal to introduce a joint degree program between Seoul National University and regional flagship national universities drew significant attention, as Seoul National University, one of the main parties to university hierarchy, took the initiative to address the issue.

Asia Economy met with Im Jungmook, chairman of the Seoul National University Professors' Association, at the university's administration building. He said, "It is time for Seoul National University to set aside its vested interests and consider the public good," and emphasized, "A fundamental shift in the direction of education is necessary."

-This is the first time an education reform proposal has come from within Seoul National University.

▲Seoul National University has always been at the top of the educational hierarchy in Korea, and it has grown with many benefits from the nation and the public. I felt that now is the time for us to also take responsibility. For future planning, instead of clinging to the current hierarchy and monopoly, we must help our children realize their individual aptitudes and talents, and autonomously build an academic system focused on expertise together with other universities. Only then can we create new engines for growth. This is not simply about changing one admissions system; we have reached an era where education must address the overall imbalance and polarization in society. I believed that education reform would only gain public support if Seoul National University took the lead.

-What do you see as the main problems with the current admissions system?

▲The CSAT has two sides. While I understand the intent behind the 2028 university admissions reform (changing the high school grade system from nine to five levels and shifting the CSAT to an integrated format), if the test loses its ability to distinguish students, the system becomes even more distorted. This is not a problem that can be solved by changing a single policy. Elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as universities, must be organically connected, and the system must reflect the diversity of society as a whole. In the current system, which ranks students in a single line, we end up harming the students. While society has become more diverse, education remains uniform. So-called "prestigious university students" are admitted by scoring well in ten CSAT subjects, but their sense of superiority breeds inferiority in others, and this structure is continuously reproduced. This is because the CSAT was designed from the start as a ranking system based on scores.

-What is your view on the concentration of top students in medical schools?

▲Admissions have become an investment, not education. In a structure where academic background and salary are directly linked, students flock to medical schools or popular majors regardless of their aptitudes. It is not because they love the field, but because the salaries are high. During the era of economic development, studying was the only path to success. However, times have changed, and students' dreams have become more diverse. Yet the standards remain the same. The solution is simple: make it possible for students to make a living no matter which path they choose. If we do that, competition and private education will both decrease.

Im Jungmook, chairman of the Seoul National University Professors' Association, is being interviewed by Asia Economy at his office in Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yongjun

-What is the core philosophy behind your proposal?

▲We are calling for a shift from a hierarchy-based, rote-learning education system to one that respects diversity and individual aptitudes. Currently, students stake their futures on the CSAT, and both teachers and students are evaluated in the same way. If this continues, education will become even more standardized, and private education will expand further. To eliminate private education, we must create the conditions to do so. To revive public education, we must provide viable alternatives. Tweaking the existing system is not enough; we need a comprehensive solution.

This is why our reform proposal covers all school ages: a restructured school system integrating elementary, middle, and high schools; a qualification-based CSAT that can be taken multiple times; expanded admissions processes that can assess individual talents; and enhanced university autonomy and human resource support. There was a consensus among professors that this level of reform is necessary, and we have been considering and discussing it since last year. The key is education that reflects diversity, a structure that connects elementary, middle, and high schools with universities, and fair distribution of information and opportunities. Only then can we reduce unproductive debates about fairness and begin truly meaningful education reform.

-What is the intention behind your proposed CSAT reform?

▲If the top student in school makes a single mistake on the CSAT and ends up with a lower score than the fifth-ranked student, who is truly more capable? That is why we propose "multiple attempts at the CSAT." Students could use their best score from several attempts or take an average. The range of subject choices should also be expanded, allowing students to focus more on subjects they like or wish to major in. The goal is not simply to increase the number of test sittings, but to change the structure where a single exam determines a student's fate and to respect each student's diversity and right to choose. Students already take mock tests three or more times, and private academies adjust accordingly. A qualification-based CSAT should guarantee subject diversity and opportunities to maintain fairness.

-What are your future plans?

▲We are considering ways to promote public discussion through forums and similar events. Education reform cannot be achieved alone; it requires national consensus. If things continue as they are, problems such as low birth rates, polarization, and regional extinction will never be solved. Examinees and parents will continue to suffer, and society as a whole will bear the cost. The proposal from the Seoul National University Professors' Association is not a finished product, but an invitation to begin the discussion. This should serve as an opportunity to start genuine reform together with education experts, parents, and students.