South Korea Education Ministry Clarifies Student Record Use Rules
The South Korean Ministry of Education issued guidance on the new amendment to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act that bans commercial use of student records. It explained that merely viewing a record briefly is not a violation, but receiving electronic files, storing or accumulating the information can be treated as "acquisition" and may lead to penalties of up to five years imprisonment or a fine of 50 million won.
In the Jeonnam–Gwangju region, a vocational‑education innovation program began, letting high‑school students take university courses and earn up to four credits before enrolling. Six local universities will offer ten practical subjects, including AI, electric‑vehicle labs and baking, to improve employability and retain talent in the area.
Meanwhile, Gwangju Ilgo High School and Chosun University jointly authored the regional history textbook “Gwangju Modern History 1.” The book received final approval from the integrated Jeonnam‑Gwangju education office, becoming the first recognized textbook after the merger, and will be used in the second‑grade regular curriculum with plans for a second volume.
Entities: Chosun University · Gwangju Ilgo High School · Gwangju University · Jeonnam‑Gwangju Education Office · South Korean Ministry of Education
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The program allows students to earn up to four university credits before enrollment, across ten courses including AI, electric‑vehicle labs and baking. (Program description)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Six regional universities will participate in a mutual credit recognition program for vocational high‑school students in the Jeonnam‑Gwangju area. (Jeonnam‑Gwangju Education Office announcement)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Gwangju Ilgo High School and Chosun University co‑authored the textbook “Gwangju Modern History 1”. (Education office approval notice)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The amendment to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act banning commercial use of student records took effect on March 29. (South Korean Ministry of Education guidance)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The textbook received final approval from the integrated Jeonnam‑Gwangju education office, becoming the first recognized book after the merger. (Education office approval notice)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The textbook will be used in the second‑grade regular curriculum, with two credits per semester, and a second volume is planned. (School announcement)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Temporary viewing of a student record does not constitute acquisition, but electronic submission, storage or accumulation may be considered acquisition. (Ministry of Education clarification)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Violating the ban on commercial use of student records can result in up to five years imprisonment or a fine of 50 million won. (Ministry of Education guidance)