The controversial entrance exams for preschool academies, known as the '4-year-old exam' and '7-year-old exam,' which have sparked intense competition and allegations of child abuse, will be abolished. Starting next month, all entrance exams and assessments aimed at admissions or level-based class assignments in preschool academies, including English kindergartens, will be completely banned.
The Ministry of Education, led by Minister Choi Kyo-jin, announced on September 22 that the Cabinet approved an amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Establishment and Operation of Private Academies and Tutoring. This amendment is a follow-up measure to clarify prohibited activities ahead of the full implementation of the law on October 1.
The key aspect of this amendment is the clear definition and prohibition of exams and assessments for admissions and level-based class assignments for preschoolers.
Prohibited activities include not only direct written, oral, practical, and interview tests but also evaluations using external test results related to specific skill verification. All exams and assessments aimed at ranking specific skill levels for admissions or class assignments are included in this ban.
This effectively closes the door on evaluation practices that have fueled competition in private education, such as level tests required for admission to English kindergartens.
However, exceptional diagnostic activities to support educational activities will be allowed under strict criteria. Only observations or interviews conducted after a child has officially registered at an academy or received private tutoring will be recognized as exceptions. In such cases, the academy must adequately inform the child's guardians about the purpose, method, and intended use of the diagnostic results, obtaining consent in writing or electronically.
Importantly, diagnostic results must not be presented as scores, rankings, or pass/fail statuses but should only describe the child's learning progress and support needs.
Additionally, measures to formalize private tutoring for preschoolers, which had previously been in a regulatory gray area, will be implemented. Starting October 1, individuals wishing to provide private tutoring for preschoolers, including tutoring centers, must register with the relevant education office.
The Ministry of Education plans to actively guide the registration process to prevent confusion and ensure smooth implementation of the new system.
To ensure the effectiveness of these regulations, strong punitive measures have also been established. Individuals who report academies conducting prohibited exams or assessments for admissions or class assignments will be eligible for a reward within budgetary limits.
Academies found in violation will face fines of 1 million won for the first offense, 2 million won for the second, and 3 million won for three or more violations. Furthermore, the Ministry of Education will review the validity of this enforcement decree every two years, starting January 1, 2027, to continuously improve the system.
Minister Choi Kyo-jin stated, "With this amendment, we have laid the groundwork to eliminate extreme forms of private education for young children, such as the 4-year-old and 7-year-old exams, and to foster a society where children can grow up healthily. We will continue to strive to ensure that our children grow up healthy and happy."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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