The Korea Times

Elite high schools' dominance wanes at Korea's top universities

The number of freshmen from specialized high schools admitted to Korea’s top three universities has fallen to a five-year low, signaling a shift in the nation’s elite college admissions landscape. Data from the university admissions reporting system, analyzed by Jongro Academy — one of the country’s largest private education institutes specializing in university admissions — showed that 3,458 freshmen from specialized high schools were admitted to Seoul National, Yonsei and Korea universities this year, marking a five-year low. For years, students from specialized high schools — including foreign language, science and international schools — as well as autonomous private schools and science academies for gifted students, have disproportionately filled freshman classes at Seoul National, Korea and Yonsei universities, collectively known as the elite “SKY” universities. But the latest data suggests that changes to medical school quotas and admissions criteria may be reshaping the fiercely competitive path to a top-tier education. Of the 3,458 freshmen from specialized hi

Jul 6, 2025By Jung Da-hyun

Elite high schools' dominance wanes at Korea's top universities

Society

Sungkyunkwan University puts global impact at center of leadership vision

Sungkyunkwan University is working to redefine global academic leadership — not merely by climbing rankings such as the QS World University Rankings, but by addressing major challenges through pioneering research. As it presses forward with efforts to boost global competitiveness, the university is also calling attention to broader challenges — advocating for a shift toward quality-driven global engagement and increased support for Korea’s private universities. "When people think of a 'global leader university,' they often equate it with being highly ranked. But that is a superficial measure," said Sungkyunkwan University President Yoo Ji-beom during a recent interview with The Korea Times. "A true global leader university tackles the grand challenges that humanity faces through impactful research and technology innovation, while also shaping cultural and social disclosure that leads the spirit of the times." Yoo made it clear that rankings are not the destination, but a stepping stone toward a broader mission: delivering lasting global impact and fulfilling the university’s soci

Jul 6, 2025By Jung Da-hyun

Sungkyunkwan University puts global impact at center of leadership vision

Society

Handong Global University begins search for new president

Handong Global University has launched a search for a new president, seeking a leader to advance its Christian mission and global vision as the institution marks its 30th anniversary. The incoming president, the university’s eighth, will serve a four-year term beginning Feb. 1, 2026, and concluding Jan. 31, 2030. Founded in 1995 in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, the university has built a reputation as a small but strong institution with a global outlook and innovative academic programs. Over the past three decades, Handong Global University has produced more than 15,000 graduates now working in over 100 countries. Despite not operating a medical school, the university has trained over 300 medical doctors and more than 1,250 practicing lawyers in Korea and abroad, many of whom have carried out the school’s founding motto, "Learn to give." The university has been recognized for its pioneering approach in Korean higher education, introducing innovations such as a flexible major selection policy, mandatory double majors, team-based learning and its signature holistic education model

Jul 1, 2025By Jung Da-hyun

Handong Global University begins search for new president

Foreign Affairs

US visa applicants face delays tied to social media review

A week after the U.S. Embassy in Seoul resumed visa interviews, new policies granting consular officers broad discretion to review social media have introduced a new layer of complexity for students preparing to study in the country. According to recent applicants, most are receiving what is informally known as a “green letter” after their interviews. The notice is given to individuals who are not immediately deemed ineligible but require further review, reportedly related to social media activity. While the green letter does not constitute a visa denial, it leaves applicants in limbo, as their status is temporarily marked “refused” during the screening process. This has heightened anxiety and frustration, particularly among students facing tight academic deadlines. On May 27, Politico reported that the U.S. government was reviewing a plan to make social media screening mandatory for international students applying for visas. Shortly after, visa interviews at the U.S. Embassy in Korea were suspended for three weeks. Interviews resumed on June 20, but with a key change: Applicants

Jun 27, 2025By Jung Da-hyun

US visa applicants face delays tied to social media review

Society

Gyeonggi education chief champions shift from welfare to empowerment in multicultural curriculum

The Gyeonggido Office of Education is calling for a shift in multicultural education policy — from a welfare-based approach to one that empowers students to develop into globally competitive talent. This strategic shift reflects a new vision for multicultural students, who have long been seen primarily as a vulnerable group requiring support. By highlighting their potential as members of a future global workforce, the policy seeks to position their linguistic and cultural backgrounds as national assets rather than solely matters of social welfare. "Korea’s approach to multicultural students has largely focused on welfare and basic support, including language education. But I don’t believe that alone constitutes a successful multicultural policy," said Yim Tae-hee, Gyeonggi Province superintendent of education, during a recent interview with The Korea Times. "It’s crucial to go beyond helping them adapt. We need to nurture their potential, support their aspirations and prepare them to thrive as members of society and future professionals," he added. Amid a growing number of multic

Jun 27, 2025By Jung Da-hyun

Gyeonggi education chief champions shift from welfare to empowerment in multicultural curriculum

People & Events

Gwangju woman joins donor club after overcoming poverty, disability

A 57-year-old woman from Gwangju, who was once dependent on basic welfare payments and living with a disability, has emerged from years of poverty to achieve self-reliance — and is now giving back as a major donor. According to Gwangju’s Seo District Office, Tuesday, housing manager Song Soon-hee joined the district’s Honors Club, pledging to donate 500,000 won ($367) each month for the next five years. She also made an initial contribution of 5 million won after joining the club. The Honors Club, established in November of last year, is the nation’s first donor community led by a local government, recognizing individuals who pledge more than 30 million won to the district. Just a decade ago, Song was grappling with chronic illness and living in poverty, dependent on government support. Her turning point came with a small but meaningful gift from a local welfare official — an LED lamp offered as a gesture of encouragement. At the time, her home was so dim — its sunlight blocked by a nearby building — that it stayed dark even during the daytime. After receiving the lamp, she

Jun 26, 2025By Jung Da-hyun

Gwangju woman joins donor club after overcoming poverty, disability

Politics

PHOTO First Korean president to visit Hansen’s disease hospital

President Lee Jae Myung and first lady Kim Hea Kyung console a patient at Sorokdo National Hospital in South Jeolla Province, Wednesday. Lee is the first Korean president to visit the hospital, which provides specialized care for patients with Hansen’s disease, also known as leprosy. Yonhap

Jun 25, 2025By Jung Da-hyun

[PHOTO] First Korean president to visit Hansen’s disease hospital

Society

New report reveals large gender pay gaps for elderly, new parents

A persistent gender pay gap remains among Korea’s older workers, with elderly women earning just 59 percent of what their male peers make. A report released Sunday by the Korea Employment Information Service found that, as of June 2024, about 729,000 elderly wage earners — defined as those born before 1963 — were active in the labor force. Among them, 75 percent had entered the workforce after age 60 and another 75 percent were employed at small or medium-sized businesses. The report also noted that 53.9 percent held part-time positions. Elderly workers were primarily employed in production and social service sectors, with an average monthly real income of 1.84 million won ($1,339) at the time of hiring. However, a stark gender disparity was evident. Male elderly workers earned an average of 2.26 million won, while their female counterparts made just 1.33 million won — amounting to only 59 percent of men’s earnings. The report noted that job stability and wages tend to decline as workers age and the gender pay gap within this demographic remains particularly wide. In addition, j

Jun 23, 2025By Jung Da-hyun

New report reveals large gender pay gaps for elderly, new parents

Society

1 year after deadly factory fire, safety reforms for migrant workers still on hold

A year has passed since a catastrophic fire ripped through a lithium battery plant in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, killing 23 people, most of them foreign workers. Yet many of the promised safety measures remain unfulfilled, casting doubt on the government’s commitment to protecting the country’s essential migrant labor force. Despite the completion of a government study last year to outline an implementation plan for mandating occupational safety and health training for all foreign workers, progress on vital safety provisions has since stalled, leaving a significant gap in protections for a vulnerable workforce that often toils in high-risk industries. The urgency for reform intensified after the Hwaseong fire exposed glaring gaps in workplace safety and education — especially for foreign workers. Just three weeks after the tragedy, the government vowed to revise the Occupational Safety and Health Act to mandate safety training for all foreign workers, regardless of visa status. Officials also pledged to integrate safety education into existing support programs and extend trainin

Jun 22, 2025By Jung Da-hyun

1 year after deadly factory fire, safety reforms for migrant workers still on hold

Society

As Korea ages, reports of elder abuse increase

Amid Korea's accelerating demographic shift toward an aging society, cases of elder abuse are alarmingly on the rise. A significant majority, nearly 60 percent, of identified perpetrators are victims' spouses or sons, reflecting deeply entrenched family dynamics. As these incidents grow, the average age of abusers is also increasing, highlighting a complex social challenge. According to a report from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Friday, a total of 22,746 reports were filed through 38 regional senior protection agencies nationwide last year. Of these, 7,167 cases, or 31.5 percent, were officially confirmed as elder abuse. The number of abuse cases has steadily increased over the past four years, from 6,259 cases in 2020 to 7,167 in 2024, marking a 14.5 percent rise during the period. Of the confirmed abuse cases last year, 88.2 percent, or 6,323 incidents, occurred at home, while 647 took place in care facilities. Compared to the previous year, abuse in home settings rose by 4 percent, while cases reported in facilities declined by 4.7 percent. Physical abuse accounted for the larg

Jun 13, 2025By Jung Da-hyun

Jung Da-hyun

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Elite high schools' dominance wanes at Korea's top universities

Sungkyunkwan University puts global impact at center of leadership vision

Handong Global University begins search for new president

US visa applicants face delays tied to social media review

Gyeonggi education chief champions shift from welfare to empowerment in multicultural curriculum

Gwangju woman joins donor club after overcoming poverty, disability

PHOTO First Korean president to visit Hansen’s disease hospital

New report reveals large gender pay gaps for elderly, new parents

1 year after deadly factory fire, safety reforms for migrant workers still on hold

As Korea ages, reports of elder abuse increase

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