By Kim Rahn
A related issue is free school meal programs, which local authorities have gradually adopted and were also one of President Park’s pledges.
The expenses for the program are shared by local governments and regional educational offices, with the share differing from region to region.
As the municipalities and offices are suffering from financial difficulties, the ruling Saenuri Party and some local government heads, including South Gyeongsang Province Governor Hong Joon-pyo, plan to revise the program so that only underprivileged students get free meals.
However, liberal municipal heads and educational office chiefs, as well as the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy, have criticized the move, saying the free meals are for the “general welfare” of all students and have already been almost fully implemented.