By Kang Hyun-kyung
Staff Reporter
The presidential transition team started reviewing elements of school educational programs on reunification and security to find out whether or not the elements are biased, a source said Monday.
He said current programs focused on reconciliation of the two Koreas, while disregarding addressing human rights issues in North Korea.
Kang Seung-kyu, a vice spokesperson of the team, confirmed that policy suggestions regarding reunification programs taught in schools were made by officials from the Ministry of Unification at a meeting with transition team members.
He said, however, it was not dealt with as a big issue.
Since former President Kim Dae-jung took office in February 1998, the government has consistently implemented strong engagement policies with Pyongyang.
The past decade saw the first and second inter-Korean summit talks and an increased exchange of events and activities designed to improve inter-Korean relations.
Seoul has offered several economic assistance packages through the Inter-Korean Economic Cooperation Fund.
Experts made the point that the engagement stance is reflected in local schools' reunification and security educational programs.
They said the new government may attempt to introduce elements addressing other aspects of the North, besides reconciliation.
According to the Office of Education of North Jeolla Province, the core goal of reunification and security education programs in local primary and secondary schools is enhancing inter-Korean relations.
The basic plan for the reunification and security program also suggests developing and using materials that would help students better understand North Korean society, which will help in social integration after reunification is achieved.