"A Country That Undervalues Talent: Patriotism Alone Can't Stop the Exodus"...Professors Leaving Korean Universities [The Great University Transformation] ①

99 Full-Time Professors Left Seoul National, Chung-Ang, and Hanyang Universities in the Past 5 Years
Annual Departures Rose from 11 to 31
The 'University Exodus' Is Not Limited to STEM Fields
36 Professors Left STEM; 33 Departed from Humani

Editor's NoteSouth Korea has fallen into a trap of low growth. The structural causes of this stagnation are identified as low birth rates and an aging population. Other factors such as diminished economic innovation and subpar politics are also cited. At the root of these issues lies the problem of education. For South Korea to break through the $40,000 national income barrier and advance to the level of a top-tier developed nation with $70,000 or even $100,000 in national income, the country must undertake a sweeping overhaul of its education system to foster creativity and innovation. On the surface, this is reflected in the collapse of public education, symbolized by the decline of teachers' authority, and the prevalence of private education that begins as soon as children start walking. However, beneath these symptoms lies an outdated university system. Universities that fail to attract global talent and cannot nurture creative individuals remain stuck in the past, entrenched by the distorted university entrance system centered on the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT). In other words, a "Great University Transformation" could provide the foundation for South Korea to become a nation overflowing with creativity and innovation. This transformation is not just about developing talent to boost potential growth rates; it could also serve as a crucial turning point for advancing toward a society of dialogue, compromise, trust, and consideration. Following our earlier series [Korean Education: Losing Its Way] in the first half of this year, Asia Economy now launches a new series: [Great University Transformation: Innovating Korean Universities].

"We cannot expect talented individuals who leave for better opportunities abroad to stay just by appealing to their patriotism."

A professor at a private university in Seoul stated, "There are no incentives to keep talent in the country when they can earn several times higher salaries, receive ample research support, and even secure language education for their children if they take jobs overseas." He continued, "The issue of domestic talent leaving for overseas positions must be viewed comprehensively, not just as a matter of compensation, but also considering the limited research environment, hierarchical academic culture, and uncertain job prospects." He emphasized, "To prevent this brain drain, there must be enough positions for graduates to be employed as professors or researchers, and university budgets must be expanded to create an environment where scholars can focus solely on their research."

Another professor at a national university remarked, "We have always undervalued talent, both in the past and now." He explained, "Previously, people prioritized honor, so talented individuals remained despite low salaries, but today, as people value their careers and compensation, there is no reason to refuse attractive offers." For these reasons, the number of professors leaving universities is steadily increasing.

According to data submitted by the Ministry of Education to Assemblywoman Kim Minjeon of the People Power Party, a member of the National Assembly's Education Committee, a total of 17 full-time faculty members left Seoul National University over the past five years. Full-time faculty refers to professors appointed as full, associate, or assistant professors. Even though Seoul National University is the top university in the country, offering guaranteed promotions and tenure, these professors have left for overseas universities or companies.

When expanding the scope beyond Seoul National University to other major universities in Seoul, the number of departing professors is much higher. Data obtained by Assemblywoman Kim's office from Seoul National University, Chung-Ang University, and Hanyang University shows that 99 professors from these three universities have left their positions over the past five years.

Year by year, the number of professors leaving their posts has been increasing. There were only 11 in 2021, but this rose to 17 in 2022, 25 in 2023, and 31 last year. As of the end of August this year, 15 professors had already left.

This "exodus" of professors occurred across both STEM and humanities/social sciences. By field, 36 professors from engineering and natural sciences left, while 33 from humanities and social sciences also departed. In the medical field, 23 professors left, and 7 from the arts and physical education. Analysts point to a combination of poor compensation, inadequate research environments, and shifting status as the reasons professors are leaving regardless of their field.

Lim Kyungho, president of Kongju National University and vice president of the Korean Council for University Education, commented, "In the past, despite low salaries, there was a strong sense of duty due to the importance of nurturing the next generation, social status, and job stability." He pointed out, "However, as the gap in compensation with the private sector has widened significantly, there are virtually no incentives left to keep talented individuals at universities." President Lim added, "Especially at national universities, where salaries follow the civil servant pay scale, there is no way to offer higher incentives, even for outstanding talent. Professors at regional universities move to Seoul, and those in Seoul move to companies or abroad."

This has resulted in a domino effect of talent outflow. To address this, the government recently announced a new "National Distinguished Professorship System" as a national policy initiative. This system will allow exceptions to the mandatory retirement age of 65 at national, public, and private universities and provide the highest level of research support. President Lim stated, "To retain talented individuals, they must be compensated appropriately," adding, "Such policy changes will help stem the outflow of talent."

Meanwhile, last month the government, led by the Ministry of Science and ICT, formed a pan-government public-private task force to prevent the outflow of scientific and technological talent and to attract both domestic and overseas researchers. The task force is devising measures to retain domestic science and technology talent and to recruit Korean and international researchers working abroad.