Chonnam National University faces audit over semiconductor talent and medical school admissions

During a National Assembly Education Committee audit at Chonnam National University, lawmakers raised concerns regarding semiconductor workforce development and regional medical school admission policies.

Regarding the Honam semiconductor cluster, lawmakers questioned the capacity to supply the estimated 90,000 required personnel. Representative Kim Moon-soo noted that only one of 29 vocational high schools in the Gwangju-Jeonnam region offers a semiconductor major. Chonnam National University President Lee Keun-bae responded that the university is working with the government and 20 regional colleges to establish semiconductor departments, aiming to meet 65% of the required bachelor-level workforce.

Separately, Representative Ahn Kyu-baek criticized the exclusion of students from Sahmyook Middle Schools in the Yeongnam and Honam regions from the regional medical doctor track. Due to their legal classification as ‘miscellaneous schools’ rather than ‘general middle schools’ under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, these students were deemed ineligible for certain medical school admissions. The Ministry of Education acknowledged insufficient review during the enforcement decree process and pledged to consult with the Ministry of Health and Welfare to address the issue.