[New Year's Address] Minister Choi Kyojin: "The First Year of Educational Reform... Overcoming the Flawed Competitive System"

"Fostering AI Talent and Enhancing Competitiveness of Local Universities"
"Expanding Democratic Citizenship Competencies and History Education"

On January 2, Minister of Education Choi Kyojin announced, "We will make this year the starting point for educational reform."

Minister Choi attended the Ministry of Education's New Year ceremony at the Government Complex Sejong on this day and stated in his New Year's address, "We must devote all our efforts to overcoming the flawed competitive system."

He pointed out, "The structure centered on academic achievement and educational background has become a major problem in our society. The concentration of opportunities in the Seoul metropolitan area and the university ranking system have led to overheated competition for college admissions, and this unequal competition not only causes social conflict but also contributes to the decline of local regions."

He continued, "The direction of reform is clear. Under the grand premise of 'education where not a single student is left behind,' we have a generational responsibility to create a structure for balanced development so that there is no discrimination in opportunities for learning and growth, regardless of region."

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He also announced plans to actively promote policies such as the "Local University Development Policy," which forms the backbone of the government's initiative to create 10 universities comparable to Seoul National University. He said, "In 2026, we will fully implement the policies we have prepared so far in order to achieve results that the public can truly feel. If we determine that something does not meet public expectations, we will not hesitate to make improvements, ensuring that we remain true to the essence of reform."

Regarding future education, he stated, "We will drive change in schools through AI, while strengthening education that encourages questioning and exploration so that learning expands beyond the mere accumulation of knowledge to include interest in social development and the public good. We will do our utmost to help students become talents who can proactively utilize AI."

He also announced plans to strengthen education for democratic citizenship and history. Minister Choi said, "We will help children grow into democratic citizens who practice the values of inclusion, respect, consideration, and mediation," adding, "We will develop the competencies that democratic citizens need through constitutional education, environmental education, and digital media literacy education, and nurture students who can deeply reflect on social issues." He further emphasized, "We will also strengthen history education to foster a balanced understanding of history. History education not only provides an opportunity to examine the present through the past, but also plays a meaningful role in resolving conflicts experienced by communities. Based on a fundamental understanding of world order, it is also crucial for students to grow as global citizens."

In addition, he pledged to focus on students' mental health, protection of teachers' rights, personalized remedial instruction using AI technology, and expanded support for students from immigrant backgrounds. The number of special schools and special classes for students in need of special education will also be increased next year.

Minister Choi stated, "Change cannot be achieved by the efforts of the Ministry of Education alone. When more people empathize with the direction and determination of reform, and when sufficient social consensus is established, and when the belief grows that expanding the public good can lead to the development of both individuals and society, then genuine reform can be realized." He concluded, "In 2026, the Year of the Byeongo, we will gather citizens' aspirations for educational reform and make it a year in which the people's sovereign will is realized."