South Korea Sees Surge in High School Dropouts Amid Proposed 2028 College Entrance Reform

South Korean high schools have reported a sharp increase in student dropouts following the announcement of the 2028 college entrance exam overhaul, according to data from the Korean Ministry of Education. The reform, which introduces a “internal grade 5 system,” has sparked widespread concern among students and educators, with some fearing it will disproportionately affect those with marginal academic performance.

The proposed changes, first outlined in a March 2024 policy brief, aim to reduce academic pressure by replacing the traditional ranking-based admissions system with a more holistic evaluation. However, critics argue the new framework could inadvertently push vulnerable students out of school. “The pressure to maintain a high internal grade is already overwhelming,” said Kim Min-jun, a Seoul high school teacher, in an interview with Korea Times. “Students who fall below the threshold may feel their futures are already ruined.”

Details of the 2028 College Entrance Reform

The internal grade 5 system, part of the broader “New Education Agenda 2028,” replaces the current 10-grade scale with a five-tiered system that emphasizes standardized test scores and extracurricular achievements. Under the new rules, students must achieve at least a “grade 3” in core subjects to qualify for most universities, a standard that some educators say is overly rigid.

According to the Ministry of Education, the reform is designed to “promote equity and reduce the stigma of academic failure.” However, the policy has faced backlash from student advocacy groups. “This isn’t about equity—it’s about creating new barriers,” said Lee Soo-jin, a representative of the Korean Student Union, in a Yonhap News statement. “Students who struggle with mental health or family instability are being targeted.”

Impact on High School Dropout Rates

Official statistics show a significant rise in high school dropouts in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The increase is most pronounced in urban areas, where competition for university placements is fiercest.

Education experts warn that the reform could exacerbate existing inequalities. "The new system may deepen the achievement gap rather than close it."

Government Response and Public Reaction

The Ministry of Education has announced plans to launch a pilot program in 2025 to test the internal grade 5 system in 20 regional schools. Officials claim the initiative will include “support mechanisms” for at-risk students, though specifics remain unclear. “We are committed to ensuring the reform is implemented fairly,” said Minister of Education Kang Young-woo in a Yonhap News interview.

Public sentiment remains divided. While some parents praise the move to reduce academic stress, others fear it will lead to a “two-tiered” education system. “I’m worried my child will be judged solely by a letter grade,” said Kim Yoon-ji, a mother of two in Busan. “This feels like a step backward.”

What Comes Next?

The final version of the 2028 reform is expected to be finalized by late 2024, with full implementation scheduled for 2028. In the interim, the government has pledged to monitor the impact of the policy on student well-being. However, advocates for educational reform argue that more immediate action is needed. “We can’t wait four years to address this crisis,” said Lee Soo-jin of the Korean Student Union. “The students are already paying the price.”