The South Korean Education Ministry has launched a comprehensive crackdown on advanced learning programs in private academies, particularly those offering high-school level curricula to young children. Running from July 3 to August 30, the initiative aims to curb 'pre-curriculum learning' in these institutions, known locally as hagwons.
Hagwons often provide intensive college-prep courses for elementary students, exposing them to advanced subjects such as multivariable calculus and inverse trigonometry. These programs are frequently marketed as preparation for medical school, reflecting the widespread ambition for what is considered the country's most prestigious career path.
The ministry has already identified 130 cases of suspected false advertising or promotion of advanced education through online reporting and ad reviews. This crackdown is based on Article 8 of the Special Act on the Promotion of Public Education Normalization and Regulation on Pre-Curriculum Education. Enacted in 2014, the law explicitly prohibits private teaching institutes from advertising or promoting pre-curriculum learning.
Historically, violations have rarely resulted in punishment, but officials are now conducting on-site inspections and plan to impose fines. Cases of suspected tax evasion will be referred to the National Tax Agency for audit, the ministry stated.
This move follows other recent government efforts to regulate private education, including last year’s elimination of extremely difficult "killer questions" from college entrance exams and increased tax scrutiny of large hagwons. President Yoon Suk Yeol has been particularly vocal in his criticism of the private education sector, famously labeling it a 'cartel' and pledging harsh reforms.
Additionally, the ministry plans to launch public awareness campaigns, forums, and educational programs for parents to address concerns about accelerated learning and its impact on students.
In 2022, private education spending in South Korea reached 26 trillion won ($18.7 billion), according to a ministry report. This crackdown represents the latest step in the government’s ongoing efforts to normalize public education and mitigate the pressures of the private tutoring industry on young students.
