In a country renowned for its fierce academic competition, South Korean teachers now face escalating risks—not solely from the pressures of high-stakes exams, but from a growing wave of verbal abuse, threats, and even violence by parents and students. This troubling trend is triggering a surge in teacher resignations and mental health crises, shaking the foundations of public education. Rising Resignations and Reports of AbuseRecent data paints a stark picture: Nearly 589 teachers with less than five years of experience left the profession between March 2022 and April 2023—a nearly twofold i
Education is often described as the foundation of a nation’s future, and teachers are at the center of that foundation. In South Korea, a country known for its strong emphasis on education and academic achievement, teachers have traditionally held a respected position in society. However, recent incidents involving verbal abuse, threats, and even physical violence by parents toward teachers have raised deep concerns across the country. As cases of parent-led violence increase, many educators and citizens are beginning to ask: what is happening to the relationship between schools, parents, and
As the world becomes increasingly digital, education systems around the globe are seeking ways to modernize. South Korea, known for its strong academic culture and technological leadership, is now stepping into a new phase of innovation through the use of AI Digital Textbooks (AIDT). These textbooks, powered by artificial intelligence, promise to transform classrooms with personalized learning and smart feedback systems. However, despite their potential, AIDTs are also facing serious controversy regarding their fairness, effectiveness, and role in education. AI Digital Textbooks are more than
In a society where education is deeply connected to personal success and national progress, how a country sets its education policies matters greatly. In South Korea, education has long been a top priority — but also a topic of frequent political debate and constant change. To bring greater consistency, vision, and fairness to the nation’s education system, the National Education Committee (NEC) was established. This new, independent body is now at the center of Korea’s efforts to create long-term, future-oriented education policies that can serve students, teachers, and society more effective
In recent years, South Korea has been known for its thriving coffee culture. Cafés fill the streets of every city, from major franchises to small independent shops. With a high demand for coffee and a growing café-loving population, opening a coffee shop once seemed like a smart business decision. However, what was once viewed as a golden opportunity has now become a harsh reality for many owners. Due to overcompetition and market saturation, coffee shops are closing down at an alarming rate — a silent crisis hiding behind the aroma of espresso. South Korea ranks among the top countries in cof
When people imagine natural disasters, they often think of earthquakes, floods, or typhoons. However, one of the most surprising and dangerous threats can occur without warning, right beneath our feet. That threat is a sinkhole — a sudden collapse of the ground that can swallow roads, cars, and even buildings. As urban areas grow and underground construction becomes more common, sinkholes are becoming an increasingly serious social issue that requires awareness and prevention. A sinkhole is a hole in the ground caused by the collapse of the surface layer. While some sinkholes form naturally, m
In a world facing serious environmental challenges, the way we travel is becoming more important than ever. Cars are everywhere, but traditional vehicles that run on gasoline or diesel release large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂), one of the biggest causes of climate change. That’s why electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining global attention. These cars are not just a trend — they are a smart, clean, and exciting solution for the future. First, electric vehicles are better for the environment. Unlike regular cars, EVs do not produce harmful gases while driving. According to environmental studies,
In recent years, South Korea has become known for its rapid economic development, high-tech industries, and strong education system. However, behind this success lies a quiet but serious problem: a rapidly declining population. With fewer babies being born and more people growing old, Korea now faces a national challenge that could affect every part of its society — from schools and workplaces to the economy and the future of its young people. The most alarming sign of this issue is South Korea’s world-low fertility rate. In 2023, the average number of children a woman is expected to have in h
In many ways, our world has made progress in giving boys and girls the same chances. But the truth is, gender inequality still exists — in schools, in the workplace, and even in daily life. It's a problem that affects not just girls, but everyone. What Is Gender Inequality?Gender inequality means that people are treated unfairly just because they are male or female. This can happen when one gender is given more rights, respect, or opportunities than the other. For example, in some countries, girls may not be allowed to go to school. In others, women are paid less than men for doing the same jo
In today’s fast-moving digital world, anyone can share news with the click of a button. But not everything we see online is true. From fake headlines to edited photos and misleading videos, misinformation is spreading faster than ever — and it’s becoming a serious problem in our society. What Is Fake News?Fake news is false information that is made to look like real news. It can be completely made-up, exaggerated, or written in a way that tricks people. Some fake news is spread to make money, while other types are shared to create fear, confusion, or influence people’s opinions. For example, d