Lee Jinsuk Vows to Address Educational Imbalance with '10 Seoul National Universities,' Reflects on Nomination as Education Minister

June 16, National Assembly Confirmation Hearing for Education Minister Nominee Lee Jinsuk
"Leap to Become a Global Top-Three AI Power by Strengthening Digital Literacy
Emphasizes Strengthening State Responsibility for Public Education and Protecting Teachers' Authority"

Lee Jinsuk, candidate for Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, stated on the 16th, "Through the 'Creation of 10 Seoul National Universities' initiative, we will pursue strategic investment and systematic development of regional flagship universities, and address the educational imbalance centered on the Seoul metropolitan area."

Lee Jinsuk, candidate for Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, is delivering opening remarks at the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly's Education Committee on the 16th. 2025.7.16 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

During her opening remarks at the National Assembly confirmation hearing that day, Lee said, "For the sustainable growth of the entire nation, it is crucial to improve educational conditions in the regions so that educational resources are not concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area." She added, "I will keep in mind the reason I, who am based in a non-metropolitan area, was nominated as Minister of Education," reiterating her commitment to this goal.

On this day, Lee announced that she would prioritize and pursue four main policy objectives: strengthening the state's responsibility for public education; creating schools where both teachers and students are happy; fostering future talent through innovation in AI education; and achieving balanced national development through education.

Lee remarked, "Unfortunately, public education, which should firmly support the growth of each and every child, has not fully fulfilled its role." She continued, "We will realize state-led education and care, and establish a robust system for managing basic academic skills so that no one is left behind in learning."

Regarding the restoration of teachers' authority, she said, "In recent years, teachers have lost the 'joy of teaching' and have been unable to heal accumulated wounds and emotions, leaving them in pain." She pledged, "I will do my utmost to protect teachers' authority so they can focus on education without any concerns." She also promised, "I will carefully attend to the mental health of students, which is deteriorating, and establish a multi-layered support system for students facing emotional and behavioral crises."

She also pledged to focus on nurturing future talent to lead the era of AI convergence. Lee stated, "A change in the educational paradigm is needed from elementary and secondary education to universities and lifelong learning." She added, "To help Korea rise as a global top-three AI power, we will strengthen digital literacy and foundational AI skills from the elementary to high school levels, thereby solidifying the foundation of a society where AI talent can flourish."

Furthermore, she said, "We will build an educational ecosystem in universities that systematically fosters various levels of talent, including AI specialists and AI+X convergence experts." She continued, "We will expand humanities education that cultivates the ability to think, ask questions, and foster human imagination, which are truly needed in the AI era, and also strengthen civic education."

Lee emphasized, "Education is the most fundamental force supporting our society and the driving power that opens up the future," and pledged, "I will do my best to ensure that the education policies of the government, which is based on the sovereignty of the people, are successfully implemented."