Lee Ju-ho: “With a strong will, we will connect the AI digital textbook to the field.”
On the 10th, the Ministry of Education announced that the proposed amendment to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which defines AI digital textbooks as educational materials, has been forwarded to the Ministry of Education. After the transfer, the Ministry plans to discuss and request reconsideration of the bill.
On December 26, the National Assembly’s plenary session passed the amendment to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which classifies AI digital textbooks not as “textbooks” but as “educational materials.” Legally, textbooks must be adopted by all schools, but the adoption of educational materials is left to the discretion of the school principal.
The Ministry of Education believes that the AI digital textbooks should maintain their status as textbooks for reasons such as ensuring stable and high-quality development, enhancing student capabilities, reducing educational disparity, lowering private education costs, and avoiding legal disputes with developers.
If the Ministry recommends reconsideration of the amended bill through the Cabinet meeting, the President (acting) will decide whether to accept it. If accepted, the National Assembly will be asked for reconsideration, requiring a re-vote where more than half of the members must be present, and at least two-thirds of those present must agree for the same decision to be made.
On the morning of the 10th, Lee Ju-ho, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, stated in a briefing for the 2025 Ministry of Education’s work report, “We will proceed with the request for reconsideration as decided in the party-government meeting, attended by Acting President Choi Sang-mok and Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People’s Power party. The AI digital textbook has been thoroughly prepared by the Ministry of Education since the government launched, and we intend to connect it to the field while maintaining its status as a textbook with strong determination.”
However, Deputy Prime Minister Lee also mentioned, “Regardless of the reconsideration outcome in the National Assembly, we will offer the option to choose at least for this year. It will not be mandatory but selective use.”