Acting President Blocks State Funding for Free High School Education: What It Means for Students and Families

Acting President Choi Sang-mok recently vetoed a proposal to extend government funding for free high school education. This amendment was supported by the opposition and aimed to continue financial support until the end of 2027. The proposal was passed in December but ultimately rejected during a cabinet meeting.

Currently, South Korea offers free education for elementary and middle school students, and has provided temporary free high school education since 2019. The funding for this program is shared mostly between the central government and local education offices. However, this support is set to end in 2024.

During the meeting, Choi expressed his worry about burdening taxpayers with more costs. He emphasized that adding more government expenses would increase financial pressure on the public. He also noted that other proposals to adjust the funding plan were not adequately discussed before the veto.

The Education Ministry has reassured citizens that free education will still be available, supported by local funding. However, the opposition and local education officials argue that ongoing state support is vital. They claim that without it, regional educational budgets could face serious shortfalls.

Jeong Geun-sik, the superintendent of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, criticized the government’s decision. He believes it shifts the financial weight entirely onto local budgets, which undermines the government’s responsibility to provide education. Jeong warned that Seoul could need to find an extra 185 billion won ($126 million) annually, affecting crucial spending on schools and safety programs.

Now, the bill goes back to the National Assembly. Lawmakers must either revise the proposal or try to override the veto. This is challenging, as a two-thirds majority is needed to overturn such a decision. This latest veto is the third for the current administration, following previous rejections related to sensitive political issues.