[Lost Direction in Korean Education] Yang Obong: "National Education Commission Must Strengthen Its Role and Authority"

Relay Proposals for Education Reform ②
Yang Obong, Chairman of the Korea Council for University Education
"Korea Must Become an Education Powerhouse"
"Tuition Fees Should Be Adjusted, University Support Strengthened,
and More Outstanding International Students Attracted"

Yang Obong, Chairman of the Korea Council for University Education (President of Jeonbuk National University), stated that a swift transition to creative, discussion-based education is urgently needed to address the problems of the Korean education system, often characterized as an "admissions hell."

In an interview with Asia Economy, Chairman Yang pointed out, "The problem is that education from elementary school to university is conducted in a knowledge-delivery (rote learning) manner." He added, "Education that focuses on memorization and knowledge transmission rather than creative and innovative learning has still not improved." Chairman Yang further explained, "Students must receive creative education in elementary, middle, and high school in order to be developed into professionals at the university level. However, because the basic direction has not been set accordingly, there are difficulties in nurturing talent."

Yang Obong, Chairman of the Korea Council for University Education (President of Jeonbuk National University). Courtesy of the Korea Council for University Education

As a solution, Chairman Yang emphasized the need to reform the university admissions system and dismantle the hierarchical ranking of universities, as represented by the "Creating 10 Seoul National Universities" project. In April, Chairman Yang held a press conference at the National Assembly together with like-minded university presidents and current and former superintendents of education from various regions.

Chairman Yang stated, "If it is a reality that elementary, middle, and high school education is tailored to university entrance exams, then the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) should also be reformed to foster creative talent." He continued, "If the CSAT is to be maintained, it needs to be changed to test descriptive, essay-writing, and creative thinking skills." Regarding the "Creating 10 Seoul National Universities" project, Chairman Yang explained, "My point is that if we create more top-tier universities and alleviate the admissions bottleneck, then elementary, middle, and high school education will also change in that direction." He added, "Since the Lee Jaemyung administration also included related pledges in the presidential campaign, I have high expectations."

Chairman Yang further argued that, in order to nurture the talent needed for the future society, universities must achieve a leap forward and transformation based on increased investment. He said, "University lectures must also shift from knowledge delivery to discussion-based formats," and emphasized, "National investment in higher education is necessary." He continued, "University tuition fees in Korea are only about one-tenth of those in the United States, so the budget for investment in higher education must be increased." He warned, "If we try to pursue creative and world-class education without investing in higher education, there will be many limitations." Chairman Yang also noted, "University tuition has been frozen for 17 years. Granting universities the autonomy to raise tuition up to 1.5 times the legally stipulated inflation rate should come first, so that universities can provide high-quality education."

Chairman Yang stated, "The ultimate goal for Korea should be to become an 'education powerhouse.'" He said, "Prestigious universities must be transformed into research-oriented institutions capable of actually producing talent for advanced industries, and considering the low birth rate, we must attract many outstanding international students." He concluded, "In short, I hope that policy efforts will focus on making our country an 'education powerhouse' like the United States."

Chairman Yang also said, "The National Education Commission needs to be strengthened and its role enhanced." He added, "I feel that the staff at the commission is severely lacking at the working level. There is a shortage of personnel and support to properly set the overall direction for national education, so reinforcement is necessary."