Value context and insight. lkm@koreatimes.co.kr
Controversy rises over ending state bar exam
People preparing for the state-administered bar exam call for the government to maintain the current exam system, which is scheduled to be abolished in 2017 and replaced with a law school system, during a press briefing at the Seoul Central District Court, Thursday. / Yonhap
By Lee Kyung-min
By Lee Kyung-min
Korea will abolish the state-administered bar exam by 2017, making graduating from law school the only way to gain entry to the legal profession. Controversy is mounting over the decision, as many students preparing for the exam are protesting against the move.
Until 2009, passing the bar exam ― one of the toughest tests for any student ― was the only way to become a lawyer.
However, the government revised related laws, making it easier for people to join the profession by entering law schools. There are 25 law schools nationwide accepting a total of 2,000 students a year.
The change in policy was aimed at increasing the number of lawyers, meaning the public could receive quality legal services at manageable fees through increased competition among firms.
The nation will maintain the bar exam until 2017 to enable a smooth transition to the law school system.
However, high tuition fees at law schools ― for example, 20.7 million won per year at Korea University Law School ― has triggered accusations that they are “schools for the rich.”
Park Jeong-min, 35, a law graduate at the Sungkyunkwan University, said it would be impossible for him to spend such a large amount of money to realize his dream. He has been preparing for the state bar exam for four years.
“I want to become a lawyer, or a prosecutor, or a judge, but I don’t have that much money,” he said during a press conference at the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul, Thursday.
Park and several others at the conference said they are not demanding the state shut down law schools but instead maintain the current bar exam system as well. It is said that about 4,000 people are currently preparing for the exam which selects about 150 candidates each year.
Park said people from a humble background like him cannot afford huge tuition fees that are more than his parents’ combined yearly income.
While the number of lawyers has increased since the law school system was adopted, many doubt whether the system has produced higher quality lawyers, as it is relatively easier to graduate from law schools than passing the current bar exam.
Some 1,000 students have signed a petition demanding the retention of the current system. They plan to submit it to the National Assembly, the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Court.
Regarding the protestors’ claims, a student from a Seoul-based law school said he understands their frustration.
“I know the law school system is facing a lot of criticism. But as the system is already operating and the abolition of the bar exam has already been decided, it is better to improve law school system rather than reversing the change,” he said.
Regarding high tuition, he said increasing scholarships at law schools will give a greater chance to students from low-income households.