[South Korean Education Lost Its Way] Song Insu: "Changing Hiring Practices Is Key to Reforming Education"

Education Reform Relay Proposal ⑤
Song Insu, Head of Education Spring
"Ability Over Academic Background: Employment Practices Must Change
Breaking Free from Entrance Exam Competition to Unlock Students' Potential"

"Unless the culture of hiring based on university background changes, there is no future for education in South Korea."

Song Insu, head of Education Spring, stated in an interview with Asia Economy that, "Companies hire based on 'alma mater' rather than the applicant's abilities, which leads to academic background competition and a surge in private education expenses to obtain prestigious academic credentials." Founded in 2020, Education Spring believes that 'hiring without regard to academic background' is key to solving South Korea's education problems, and is working to drive changes in corporate hiring practices.

Song explained, "The average monthly private education expense per elementary, middle, and high school student is 474,000 won, which means that for two children, it approaches 1 million won." He added, "If you look at why families are burdened to this extent by private education, it ultimately connects to 'employment'." He further stated, "Because of the vague assumption that 'those with prestigious academic backgrounds will perform better at work,' academic background is prioritized in the hiring market," and, "As a result, obtaining a university brand name is crucial for employment, which is why families pour enormous amounts of money into private education from elementary through high school." Song emphasized, "Breaking the perception that only graduates from top universities can get quality jobs is the first step in education reform."

However, hiring practices centered on academic background remain unchanged. According to a survey conducted by Education Spring in September of last year, 85% of respondents answered "yes" to the question of whether academic background influences hiring. Song argued, "To overcome this phenomenon, we cannot leave it solely to the discretion of companies; the National Assembly must take action."

Although Article 7, Paragraph 1 of the Framework Act on Employment Policy stipulates that "discrimination based on gender, religion, age, academic background, or alma mater without reasonable cause is prohibited" during recruitment and hiring, Song pointed out that the law is declarative and lacks specific provisions and penalties, making it ineffective in addressing real-world issues. He stressed, "The law must be amended to ensure binding force and effectiveness," and expressed hope that, "If this happens, companies will also make efforts toward 'advanced hiring practices' by selecting talent based on criteria other than academic background."

He stated, "If we create ten more Seoul National Universities without changing the practice of hiring based on university background, all other universities will remain at a disadvantage." He continued, "Only when an environment is established where individuals can be employed based on their abilities and qualities, rather than academic background, will students finally be able to break free from entrance exam competition and focus on developing their own capabilities and potential."