Cha Jungin Inaugurated as New Chairperson of the National Education Commission
"Fundamental Reform of the University Entrance Competition System Is the Commission's Duty"
On September 15, Cha Jungin, the newly appointed Chairperson of the National Education Commission, stated, "I will prioritize the normalization of the National Education Commission so that it can regain the trust of the public, become a competent government institution, and fulfill its responsibilities."
At his inauguration ceremony held at the Government Complex Seoul on the same day, Chairperson Cha said, "Over the past three years, the National Education Commission has faced an incomprehensible reduction in its organization to the extent that it was difficult to carry out its legally mandated duties at the time of its launch, as well as subsequent incapacitation and a lack of leadership. The Commission has not been able to overcome these challenges," he said.
Chairperson Cha emphasized, "To enable the National Education Commission to smoothly fulfill the legal duties entrusted by the public, we will actively pursue organizational expansion and staff increases, and comprehensively improve the Commission's operational methods. Except for special cases requiring confidentiality, we will allow public attendance at plenary and expert committee meetings, making the discussions and deliberations on education policy available to the public in real time. If there are factional conflicts among the commissioners, I will engage in honest and open dialogue with them."
He also stated, "We will conduct broad and professional discussions not only on the university admissions system, but also on major educational issues such as the integration of early childhood education and care, private education for infants and young children, protection of teachers' rights, and the high school credit system, as well as on vocational education, special education, and lifelong education. As the control tower for national education planning, we will take a macro and expert approach."
He added, "Within my first 100 days in office, I will complete the urgent reforms of the National Education Commission and report the details to the public through the media."
On this day, Chairperson Cha pointed out that the problems in Korean education stem from a 'distortion of the purpose of education.'
He noted, "The purpose of education is the holistic growth and overall development of each individual, but in reality, as seen in the existence of elementary school medical school prep classes, civil service exam prep classes for seven-year-olds, and the overheated market for advanced private education, education as a means of acquiring social status dominates the educational landscape."
He continued, "It is the responsibility of the National Education Commission to devise fundamental and comprehensive reform measures for the entrenched university entrance competition system, and starting today, the Commission will not shy away from this duty."
Chairperson Cha stated, "Our public education will place the mental and physical health and holistic growth of children at the center of its purpose. Higher education will strengthen its educational and research capabilities, and we will establish mid- to long-term plans to nurture talent who will lead Korea as an economic and cultural powerhouse, as well as talent who will take the lead on the global stage."
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