한국장학재단이 취약계층 청년을 지원한다는 명목 아래 대출 한도만 무분별하게 늘려 청년들을 신용불량 위기로 몰아넣고 있으며, 지역 균형 발전을 위한 지역인재 장학금조차 특정 시·도에 편중되는 등 총체적인 행정 무책임과 부실 관리를 드러내고 있다는 여야 의원들의 지적이 제기됐다.
On October 12, during a National Audit session held by the National Assembly's Education Committee, lawmakers from both sides raised concerns about the rising youth loan defaults and the significant disparities in regional scholarship distribution. Rep. Kang Kyung-sook of the Justice Innovation Party and Rep. Kim Moon-soo of the Democratic Party of Korea focused on these pressing issues.
Rep. Kang criticized the reckless expansion of living expense loans, stating that it encourages youth to engage in risky financial behaviors such as borrowing to invest. She noted, "There are as many as 8,100 loan defaulters, with overdue amounts exceeding 38.7 billion won. Lowering the loan threshold without assessing the risk of loss is irresponsible administration by the foundation."
Kang further pointed out that the estimated bad debt reserve, which accounts for potential losses, reached approximately 800 billion won by the end of 2025. She highlighted that 62% of this reserve is attributed to income-contingent loans used by low-income individuals, emphasizing that despite clear signs of mismanagement, the foundation's assessments are merely checkbox surveys, reflecting a severe lack of diligence and accountability. She also noted that the amount of overlapping support for tuition loans surged from 272 million won in 2020 to 596 million won in 2025.
In response, Park Chang-dal, Chairman of the Korea Student Aid Foundation (KOSAF), acknowledged that the increase in loan limits since the first semester of 2024 has led to a rise in both total loans and defaulters. However, he stated that ongoing management efforts have resulted in a slight decrease in the default rate over the past three years. He assured that the foundation would implement various repayment and credit recovery support programs and would closely review the assessment methods.
The issue of regional disparities in the distribution of scholarships aimed at fostering local universities and promoting balanced national development was also addressed. Rep. Kim Moon-soo pointed out that while the intention is to distribute scholarships evenly among private university students, the disparity in scholarship benefits is too pronounced. He noted that the scholarship benefit rates are significantly higher in Ulsan (1.19) and Gyeongbuk (1.09) compared to much lower rates in Gangwon (0.69), Jeonnam (0.65), and Jeju (0.59). Kim demanded action, stating that when calculated per student based on total scholarship amounts, Ulsan students receive an average of 75,000 won, while those in Jeju and Jeonnam receive only 28,000 won and 34,000 won, respectively.
Additionally, Kim urged that the 3,856 long-term defaulters, who owe a total of 25.1 billion won, should be provided legal remedies, including debt restructuring and exemptions, as many of these young individuals are unlikely to repay due to unemployment.
Chairman Park explained that the disparities in scholarship distribution arise from differences in the number of applicants from regional universities and the criteria for selection, such as academic performance. He committed to strengthening support for outstanding students at regional private universities in collaboration with relevant government departments.
Regarding measures for long-term defaulters, Park estimated that about 3,500 individuals, totaling 25.2 billion won, would be eligible for the new start fund. He emphasized that legal amendments are necessary for the relief of long-term student loan defaulters and requested active cooperation from the National Assembly.
On October 12, during a National Audit session held by the National Assembly's Education Committee, lawmakers from both sides raised concerns about the rising youth loan defaults and the significant disparities in regional scholarship distribution. Rep. Kang Kyung-sook of the Justice Innovation Party and Rep. Kim Moon-soo of the Democratic Party of Korea focused on these pressing issues.
Rep. Kang criticized the reckless expansion of living expense loans, stating that it encourages youth to engage in risky financial behaviors such as borrowing to invest. She noted, "There are as many as 8,100 loan defaulters, with overdue amounts exceeding 38.7 billion won. Lowering the loan threshold without assessing the risk of loss is irresponsible administration by the foundation."
Kang further pointed out that the estimated bad debt reserve, which accounts for potential losses, reached approximately 800 billion won by the end of 2025. She highlighted that 62% of this reserve is attributed to income-contingent loans used by low-income individuals, emphasizing that despite clear signs of mismanagement, the foundation's assessments are merely checkbox surveys, reflecting a severe lack of diligence and accountability. She also noted that the amount of overlapping support for tuition loans surged from 272 million won in 2020 to 596 million won in 2025.
In response, Park Chang-dal, Chairman of the Korea Student Aid Foundation (KOSAF), acknowledged that the increase in loan limits since the first semester of 2024 has led to a rise in both total loans and defaulters. However, he stated that ongoing management efforts have resulted in a slight decrease in the default rate over the past three years. He assured that the foundation would implement various repayment and credit recovery support programs and would closely review the assessment methods.
The issue of regional disparities in the distribution of scholarships aimed at fostering local universities and promoting balanced national development was also addressed. Rep. Kim Moon-soo pointed out that while the intention is to distribute scholarships evenly among private university students, the disparity in scholarship benefits is too pronounced. He noted that the scholarship benefit rates are significantly higher in Ulsan (1.19) and Gyeongbuk (1.09) compared to much lower rates in Gangwon (0.69), Jeonnam (0.65), and Jeju (0.59). Kim demanded action, stating that when calculated per student based on total scholarship amounts, Ulsan students receive an average of 75,000 won, while those in Jeju and Jeonnam receive only 28,000 won and 34,000 won, respectively.
Additionally, Kim urged that the 3,856 long-term defaulters, who owe a total of 25.1 billion won, should be provided legal remedies, including debt restructuring and exemptions, as many of these young individuals are unlikely to repay due to unemployment.
Chairman Park explained that the disparities in scholarship distribution arise from differences in the number of applicants from regional universities and the criteria for selection, such as academic performance. He committed to strengthening support for outstanding students at regional private universities in collaboration with relevant government departments.
Regarding measures for long-term defaulters, Park estimated that about 3,500 individuals, totaling 25.2 billion won, would be eligible for the new start fund. He emphasized that legal amendments are necessary for the relief of long-term student loan defaulters and requested active cooperation from the National Assembly.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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