South Korea education ministry bans commercial use of student records and designates reading‑focus grades

The South Korean Ministry of Education announced a reform to prohibit the commercial acquisition and use of school‑life records (student records). Under the amendment to the Primary and Secondary Education Act, any private academy or individual that trades, sells, or uses a student’s record for profit faces up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won. The law, slated to take effect on March 29, also covers existing data collected before the amendment.

In a separate measure, the ministry designated third‑ and fourth‑grade elementary classes, first‑year middle‑school classes and first‑year high‑school classes as “reading‑focus years” to combat a decline in literacy. Programs will include customized reading curricula, mentorship, and school‑wide reading initiatives, with plans to expand to all schools by 2030.

Both actions aim to safeguard student data and improve reading competence amid concerns about digital distraction and lower literacy scores in international assessments.