Parents slam education chief's 'no need for cram schools' remark on college exam reform plan

South Korean parents are expressing strong disapproval of a proposed overhaul to the college entrance examination system. Cha Jeong-in, chairwoman of the National Education Committee, suggested that introducing essay and debate-style evaluations for the national college entrance exam would eliminate the need for private cram schools, as extensive reading would suffice.

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You don't need to go to cram school.

This vision, intended to align the admissions process more closely with public education, has ignited controversy. Parents worry that the shift, particularly for students currently in sixth grade who would navigate this new system through middle and high school before the 2033 exam implementation, introduces significant uncertainty and potential burdens. The proposal comes as President Lee Jae-myung also voiced concerns about the current objective-style exam "standardizing and ruining children."

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Students only need to read extensively.

Critics argue that Cha's assertion that private academies will become obsolete is out of touch with the current reality of competitive admissions. The proposed changes aim to prepare students through public education, but many parents view the transition as untested and potentially disadvantageous, fearing a lack of clear guidelines and increased pressure on their children.

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standardizing and ruining children