Abolition of Academic Record Admissions at Gwangju Arts High School Sparks Ongoing Equity Debate

Citizens' Group:
"Admissions Track for Socially Disadvantaged Students Needed"

Gwangju Arts High School has decided to abolish special admissions based on academic records for certain departments starting with the 2026 academic year. While local education groups have welcomed this move, they are also calling for the introduction of admissions tracks for socially disadvantaged students.

The Citizens' Group for a Society Without Academic Elitism stated on July 3, "The abolition of the special admissions track for outstanding academic record students at Gwangju Arts High School is a positive step that aligns with the constitutional principle of equal educational opportunity." However, the group criticized, "Yet again, admissions tracks for socioeconomically disadvantaged students have been excluded."

Special Admission Comparison Table for New Students of Gwangju Arts High School for the 2025-2026 Academic Year. Provided by Citizens' Group for a Society Without Academic Elitism

The Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education recently held a high school admissions committee meeting and approved the 2026 admissions plans for local high schools, including Gwangju Arts High School. As a result, Gwangju Arts High School has abolished the special admissions track for outstanding academic record students in the Korean Traditional Music, Korean Painting, and Fine Arts departments, with the exception of the Dance Sports department.

The Citizens' Group assessed, "The harm caused by distorting access to arts high schools through academic records has been partially addressed." Nevertheless, they pointed out, "Even the Korea National University of Arts, a higher education institution, operates an equal opportunity admissions track, but Gwangju Arts High School remains unchanged."

The group emphasized, "Gifted education in the arts lacks sufficient public support and balanced opportunities compared to the sciences. Giftedness is both an innate ability and a product of one's environment, and public education must not neglect this." They further urged, "Gwangju Arts High School should establish an admissions track for socially disadvantaged students, and the Office of Education should provide ongoing support for their growth."