Korea JoongAng Daily - Daily News from Korea

This article is by Shin Ha-nee and read by an artificial voice.

In an industry built on polish and precision, "intentional rawness" is perhaps the last quality one may expect from Cortis, one of the hottest rookies under HYBE's BigHit Music, home to BTS and Tomorrow X Together.

But that is exactly the direction that the boy band has taken with "RedRed," its latest release and, according to the members, a blueprint, or a "manifesto" for where it hopes to go next. Building on the momentum of its explosive debut last year, the "young creator crew" says the song defines what it stands for.

"We've fleshed out what didn't feel like us and what we didn't want to pursue and crossed those things off one by one," said member James during a press showcase at Yes24 Live Hall in eastern Seoul on Monday. "Through that process, we came to understand more clearly the message that we truly want to deliver and the direction that we want to pursue."

The group, consisting of Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon and Keonho, debuted in August of last year as BigHit Music's first new boy band in six years following Tomorrow X Together's debut in 2019.

Cortis's debut EP, "Color Outside the Lines" (2025), sold 2.07 million copies as of April — a record for any debut album by a K-pop act.

"RedRed," the lead track of its upcoming second EP "GreenGreen," was released at 6 p.m. on Monday, ahead of the album's full release on May 4. The album has already racked up over 2 million physical preorders, according to BigHit Music.

"It's an album that we filled with what we truly love [...] while ruling out those we wish to stay away from," said Keonho. echoing James's remarks. "We made this album through intense and careful deliberation. Because each of us poured our honest feelings [into the album], we hope that you'll look forward to it."

The upcoming EP features six tracks: the lead track "RedRed," along with B-sides "TNT," "ACAI," "YoungCreatorCrew," "Wassup" and "Blue Lips."

Cortis was heavily involved in the creative process of "GreenGreen," from the songwriting to the concept and direction behind the photo shoots and music videos.

As a result, all five members are credited for the songwriting and lyrics for the lead single, which they describe as the starting point of their journey to explore their artistic identity.

In the song, the color red represents everything that Cortis hopes to avoid — such as "being easily swayed," as mentioned in its lyrics — while green stands for what the group aspires to.

"We wanted to create a new texture sound-wise, something raw and unrefined, so we tried implementing instruments and rhythms that we hadn't used before," said James, describing the track's unruly, chaotic and "cracked" sound as "intentional rawness."

"Rather than starting with a fixed idea, we went through a wide range of experiments and research, and I think that process led to songs with very diverse sounds," said leader Martin. "I feel like we've written this song ['RedRed'] almost like a kind of a manifesto."

The group's moniker, the "young creator crew," also inspired one of the upcoming album's most anticipated B-sides.

"YoungCreatorCrew," yet to be officially released, was first introduced through the group's February performance in Los Angeles, drawing attention online for its addictive hook and seemingly unruly, autotune-heavy sound. The song was created spontaneously during a freestyle songwriting session on the day of its debut showcase last August, according to the members.

Cortis has had an impressive career since its high-profile debut. The group's first EP ranked at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, the second-highest position ever for a debut album by a K-pop act. The quintet also became the first K-pop act to headline the NBA All-Star event at the NBA Crossover Concert Series in California in February.

Cortis is set to perform at Lollapalooza Chicago this summer.

Looking ahead, Martin said that the rookie act hopes to "become a ...

This article is by Shin Hye-yeon and read by an artificial voice.

Controversial far-right pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon urged his followers to donate 1 million won ($680) each to his legal fees during a sermon on Sunday.

Jeon, who heads the Sarang Jeil Church and was recently released on bail while standing trial on charges of inciting a courthouse riot, told parishioners that they should take out loans if necessary to support his cause, arguing that such "special offerings" were necessary to "preserve Korea."

His remarks were delivered via video to a large outdoor gathering near Dongwha Duty Free Shop in central Seoul, where his church held what it described as a "joint Sunday service for freedom and reunification."

He claimed that more than 20 million people had either heard his sermons or attended rallies in Gwanghwamun Square at least once as justification for the donations.

Jeon has been criticized for peddling unfounded conspiracy theories while issuing fiery denunciations of former liberal President Moon Jae-in and current President Lee Jae Myung.

He is currently charged with inciting a mob to storm the Seoul Western District Court in Mapo District, western Seoul, on Jan. 19 last year after the court issued an arrest warrant for then-President Yoon Suk Yeol, whom Jeon supports.

The conditions of his bail required him to post a 100 million won bond and include a ban on contact with individuals related to his case. However, he has not been forbidden from attending or speaking at rallies.

In his remarks, Jeon said that he no longer had the strength to preach in person and would continue delivering sermons by video.

He also criticized a recently enacted law criminalizing the distortion of legal proceedings, claiming it had been pushed by President Lee to avoid being charged in various criminal cases that have been suspended since he assumed the presidency.

"I may end up using that law myself," Jeon said, adding that he would file complaints against judges and prosecutors.

The law, which took effect last month, allows for the punishment of judges or prosecutors who apply statutes unfairly to benefit or disadvantage specific individuals.

Jeon had previously argued in court that his detention was unjust, citing his deteriorating health, and was granted bail on April 7 for that reason.

"I can't even urinate on my own," he told reporters at a hearing on Friday. "Does it make sense to keep a seriously ill patient detained for two and a half months?"

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.

This article is by Lee Jae-lim and read by an artificial voice.

HD Construction Equipment has signed a supply agreement with Grupel, Portugal's leading generator manufacturer, to deliver 264 units of its low-emission G2 engine as demand for mobile generators rises across Europe.

The G2 is a compact diesel engine available in 1.8-liter, 2.4-liter, and 3.4-liter displacements, featuring a 1,800-bar high-pressure fuel injection system that meets EU's Stage V emissions standard for non-road mobile machinery. The deal reflects broader market pressures, as tightening European emissions regulations are forcing operators to retire aging, non-compliant equipment.

HD Hyundai currently sells more than 2,000 G2 engines annually in Europe and has supplied over 500,000 units globally over the past decade. The company plans to build on the Grupel agreement by expanding into mid-range offerings, including its DX05 and DX08 engine models.

The European diesel generator market is forecast to grow from $3.87 billion in 2026 to $4.74 billion by 2031, at a compound annual growth rate of 4.18 percent, according to Mordor Intelligence. The segment for small-displacement engines alone is estimated at 105,000 units per year.

HD Hyundai has set a target to grow its European power generation engine revenue from 40 billion won ($27 million) to 67 billion won by 2030. More broadly, the company is aiming to more than double its total power generation engine sales, from 370 billion won in 2025 to 770 billion won during the same period.

This article is by Sarah Chea and read by an artificial voice.

Samsung SDI will supply EV batteries to Mercedes-Benz, the Korean battery maker said Monday.

It comes six months after Mercedes-Benz Chairman Ola Källenius's meeting with Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong during a visit to Korea in November of last year.

Extending beyond its partnership with BMW since 2009, Samsung SDI has now secured its first contract with Mercedes, which had previously relied exclusively on batteries from LG Energy Solution and SK On.

Under the deal, Samsung SDI's high-nickel nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) batteries will be mounted in Mercedes' next-generation electric SUVs and coupes.

Specific terms, including battery specifications and contract size, remain undisclosed.

"The batteries will deliver extended driving range, enhanced longevity and high output performance, alongside proprietary safety solutions developed in-house," said a spokesperson for Samsung SDI.

Mercedes-Benz is set to unveil its all-new electric C-Class in Korea on Monday evening, marking the brand's first-ever global premiere in Korea since its entry into the market.

The latest agreement is expected to deepen collaboration between the two companies and potentially extend into display technologies.

Samsung Display and Mercedes-Benz have previously partnered on in-vehicle displays, including rear-seat tablet systems in the S-Class and infotainment monitors in select models. Samsung has also provided its Samsung Wallet digital key, enabling drivers to unlock and start vehicles without a physical key.

On Monday, Källenius also met with LG Energy Solution executives to reaffirm its partnership with Mercedes.

LG Energy in October was selected as the supplier of lithium iron phosphate batteries to the automaker, which will likely be installed in entry-level EVs like the upcoming CLA. Delivery will start in 2028.

"Mercedes-Benz is proud to strengthen collaboration in core technology areas with Korean partners who possess world-class technological competitiveness," Jörg Burzer, Mercedes-Benz's chief technology officer, said. "By deepening our ties, Mercedes-Benz is accelerating innovation in electrification, digitalization and the future of mobility."

This article is by Ko Suk-hyun and read by an artificial voice.

Calls from unions on companies to share profits are spreading beyond the semiconductor sector to other industries such as automakers, shipbuilders and defense firms, leading to concerns that such practices could undermine the competitiveness of key drivers of Korea's economy.

At SK hynix, labor and management agreed to allocate 10 percent of operating profit to bonuses and scrapped the previous cap, which had been set at 1,000 percent of base salary. With the company's operating profit forecast at about 23 trillion won ($15.6 billion) this year, roughly 2.3 trillion won could be distributed as bonuses.

Now other unions are following suit. At Samsung Electronics, the union is calling for bonuses equivalent to 15 percent of operating profit, while the Hyundai Motor union is pushing for 30 percent of net profit.

Likewise, the automaker's union plans to demand that 30 percent of the company's net profit be set aside for bonuses, according to industry sources who spoke to the JoongAng Ilbo on Sunday. The union is also demanding an 800 percent bonus payment and a shift from an hourly wage system to a monthly salary structure.

Hanwha Aerospace's union, meanwhile, is preparing to call for the removal of caps on bonuses, an 11.14 percent increase in base pay and about 40 million won in cash-based incentive payments.

The passage of the so-called Yellow Envelope law — which allows workers to negotiate not only with their direct employer, but also their primary contractor — has also spurred calls for companies to pay compensation to subcontracted workers comparable to direct employees.

Such calls are especially mounting in the shipbuilding industry, which makes broad use of subcontracted workers. A subcontractor union at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries plans to demand that subcontracted and foreign workers receive the same level of pay and bonuses as regular employees.

Industry sources say, however, that such demands are excessive given business cycles and financial constraints and out of step with global practices.

Taiwan's TSMC, the world's largest chipmaker, has operated without unions since its establishment in 1987 and determines bonuses annually through its board, prioritizing investment in research and development and capital expenditure before allocating remaining funds to reward key talent.

At companies such as Nvidia and Micron, relatively few employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements, and across-the-board bonus hikes of the kind seen in Korea are rare.

Some also warn that tying bonuses directly to profit-sharing could erode shareholder value. For investors, large bonus payouts that take precedence over dividends or share buybacks may dilute expected returns.

"As bonus payouts grow, companies have fewer resources to invest in research and development and capital expenditures, which can weigh on future competitiveness," a business source told the JoongAng Ilbo on condition of anonymity. "Once expectations rise, it becomes difficult to scale them back in a downturn, potentially harming both shareholders and the company's long-term prospects."

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.

This article is by Fergus Goodall Smith and read by an artificial voice.

Seoul's subway system, known for its relatively low fares and accessibility, has seen a sharp increase in ridership since the outbreak of the Iran war, as soaring gas prices and government curbs on vehicle use push commuters away from driving.

The average weekly ridership from the beginning of March through to April 14 rose by 10.9 percent or 6.6 million people to 67.1 million people compared to the average in January and February, according to Seoul Metro's data acquired by the Korea JoongAng Daily. The number counts riders on subway lines 1 through 8.

Passengers' renewed affinity for public transit is not confined to the greater Seoul area.

A Busan resident surnamed Kim rarely drives these days, relying instead on buses and the metro, a cost-saving choice given free subway rides for older adults.

"I used to head out to far-off places like Gijang with friends, but with gas prices up, it's kind of a burden to ride my own or hop in someone else's car," she said. "Now I just meet them near a subway station."

Seoul Metro said that it had made the decision to extend peak-hour intensive operations by one hour during the morning and evening commuting periods.

The organization in charge of Seoul's subway system has also added 18 extra train services on Lines 2 and 7, where congestion is particularly high.

Seoul Metro said there were other factors at play when it came to the ridership increase, citing the end of school vacation periods and seasonal changes.

"We are taking steps to prepare for increased demand and ensure passenger safety," said a spokesperson at the metro operator.

Mohamed Mezghani, secretary general of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), an international organisation that advocates and encourages public transport and investment in public transport infrastructure, said that the increase was likely to be a "direct impact" of the war in Iran.

Other countries' major cities that have seen such an impact have implemented incentives to encourage public transport use. Melbourne, Australia, for example, has begun providing public transport free of charge in an effort to bring down fuel demand.

"The total cost of private car use can become significantly more visible for drivers," Mezghani said, "so this can lead to a shift to a more rational and economical choice for many commuters."

"The recent increase in ridership shows that the system can absorb additional demand and that people are willing to change their behavior quickly when economic conditions change," Mezghani went on.

The metro data shows numbers starting to increase further in the opening weeks of April, as gas prices continued to rise, throughout fluctuations dictated by U.S. President Donald Trump's Truth Social posts and peace talks.

Still, some say they haven't made drastic changes to their commuting behavior, yet.

"I drive a compact hybrid, so it doesn't consume that much fuel. Even though I spend around 25 percent more on gas, it is still only around 10,000 to 15,000 won ($7 to $10) a week extra, which is not that crazy," said one person.

The International Energy Agency says fuel prices will continue to worsen regardless of if the conflict ends tomorrow because of a delayed impact.

Countries are still receiving cargo loaded and shipped before the beginning of the war, but April cargoes are largely still locked in the Gulf.

Korea's central government has already taken steps to ease pressure on public transport during peak times, moving 282,000 older riders, who ride for free, away from commuting hours under a trial basis for the next month.

"At UITP, we often say that oil shocks do not create modal shift, they reveal whether a city is prepared for it. Seoul is prepared," said Mezghani.

This article is by Woo Ji-won and read by an artificial voice.

Whether at home or in eateries, often near the mountains, dining on bomnamul has long been a seasonal tradition in Korea.

"My mom loves spring greens, so we came for them," said Kim Myeong-ja, who visited a restaurant near Mount Namhan in Gwangju, Gyeonggi, on Thursday with her mother. They had just finished a bomnamul set meal featuring 12 dishes of spring greens, leaving the plates spotless.

"We eat spring greens occasionally during the season, since this is when they taste best," Kim added before heading out to take in the greenery with her eyes this time. She had driven all the way from Seoul in search of a restaurant offering a wide variety of spring greens.

"We serve what we harvested the night before or early in the morning," said Lim Gook-hee, a third-generation owner who runs the restaurant. While some customers stop by after hiking, others come specifically for the spring greens themselves, Lim said.

"Younger diners have also been visiting more frequently, but because the menu depends on what is harvested that day, some leave disappointed, especially those who came hoping to try dureub."

A taste of spring

For many Koreans, spring is synonymous with seasonal wild greens. As the weather warms, people hunt for plants that endured the winter underground and finally send up tender shoots.

Although advances in cultivation, distribution and logistics have somewhat blurred the concept of seasonality, spring greens still reveal their true value only when harvested and eaten at the right time.

Among the most prized spring wild greens is dureub.

Another popular variety is naengi, or shepherd's purse, one of the first plants to appear in early spring. Known for its resilience, it spreads easily across fields and is valued for its slightly bitter yet earthy and fragrant taste. The seasonal produce is used in a wide variety of dishes, including soups, stews, raw salads and pancakes.

Sanmaneul, or wild garlic leaves, was named April's featured forest product by the Korea Forest Service. Known for its pungent aroma and tender texture, it is widely enjoyed as pickled leaves, or myeonginamul, and valued for its bold flavor and nutritional richness.

In addition to these, a wide range of greens, including chamnamul (Korean parsley), bangpung (coastal hog fennel), meowi (butterbur) and mugwort are harvested and enjoyed during spring.

Today, that sense of anticipation remains. Many also believe that greens harvested and eaten in season offer better flavor and nutritional value.

While many cultures, from Japan with its mountain vegetables to Europe with its wild spring greens, have traditions of eating young seasonal plants, Korea stands out for having developed bomnamul into a distinct and widely practiced culinary tradition, with many people returning to it each spring.

In Korea, there is also a strong belief that seasonal produce acts as a form of natural medicine, further heightening its appeal. And once more closely associated with older generations, spring greens are now gaining popularity among younger consumers seeking healthier diets as well.

Why people seek them out

After a long, cold winter, many people experience fatigue and sluggishness as the seasons change, a condition often referred to as spring fatigue.

Rich in vitamins and minerals, these spring greens are also valued for their nutritional benefits. Each variety offers different benefits, from high vitamin content in dolnamul to dallae aiding digestion and improving blood circulation and chwinamul (aster scaber) relieving fatigue and supporting eye health in .

Spring greens are also prized for their flavor. Because they are harvested as young shoots, they tend to be less fibrous, resulting in a more tender texture and cleaner taste.

In some plants, carbohydrates stored during colder months can be converted into sugars, contributing to a subtle natural sweetness. At the same time, many spring greens c...

This article is by Yoon Ji-won, Lee Yu-jung, Yoon Sung-min, Michael Lee and read by an artificial voice.

Korea could deploy an existing antipiracy unit in the Middle East to join a multinational naval coalition to secure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz once the Iran war ends, government sources said Sunday.

"The government has internally been preparing to undertake a phased response to a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The final stage would involve direct operational participation, and discussions are underway on the assumption that, as a member of the international community, Korea would proceed to that final stage if a multinational coalition is formed," a senior official in the ruling Democratic Party told the JoongAng Ilbo in a phone interview on Sunday.

Another DP official elaborated that "President Lee's remarks emphasizing 'substantive contributions' should be understood as indicating participation in a mission to defend the Strait of Hormuz once the conflict ends."

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back outlined this phased approach during a parliamentary hearing last week, saying Seoul was preparing contingency plans in case disruptions to commercial shipping through the vital waterway persist.

At the time of the hearing, the idea remained largely an internal contingency plan. But the sentiment began to shift after a summit on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, led by Britain and France on Friday, where President Lee Jae Myung pledged that Korea would make a "substantive contribution."

"Korea imports roughly 70 percent of its crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz and is therefore a key stakeholder," Lee said at the meeting, signaling a willingness to move beyond diplomatic support.

The summit, co-chaired by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, brought together leaders of 49 countries, as well as international organizations, to discuss ways to ensure free passage through the Hormuz, a critical global oil chokepoint effectively shut down amid the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Officials say that Lee's comments are being interpreted internally as signals of his government's readiness to join a potential coalition, though key details remain under review.

At the center of the plan is the possible deployment of the Cheonghae Unit, the Korean naval contingent currently involved in antipiracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden.

Rather than formally changing its mandate — which would require approval from the National Assembly — the government is considering expanding its operational scope to waters near the strait.

This approach would allow Seoul to contribute to coalition efforts without triggering a political controversy regarding overseas troop deployments.

One course of action under discussion is to dispatch the ROKS Wang Geon destroyer, which is scheduled to rotate into the Cheonghae Unit in June, with enhanced capabilities such as antidrone systems.

Officials see the move as a flexible way to position assets for potential coalition operations while maintaining the unit's existing mandate.

Discussions over a potential maritime coalition in the Strait of Hormuz have picked up as tensions in the region continue to disrupt shipping.

Twenty-six South Korean vessels remain effectively stranded in the region, with efforts to secure safe passage facing setbacks.

A Korean-flagged ship that attempted to transit the strait on Thursday night was forced to turn back despite prior clearance from Iran's foreign ministry after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reimposed maritime controls.

The IRGC Navy elaborated on Saturday that the strait will remain closed until the U.S. blockade of Iranian ships in and out of the waterway is lifted.

"No vessel should make any movement from its anchorage in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, and approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered cooperation with the enemy," the IRGC said in a statement.

Revolutionary Guard g...

This article is by Sarah Chea and read by an artificial voice.

For Hyundai Motor, China has become a sales graveyard, as the company has held less than 1 percent market share over the past few years following its heyday in 2016. However, recently the Korean automaker has renewed its push in the market, as China is seen as one of the few viable electric vehicle markets globally given faltering EV demand in the United States and Europe.

The move had long been anticipated after Hyundai effectively exited Russia, abandoning its plant buyback option and signaling a broader strategic retreat.

While the Korean automaker's biggest bet is a strategy centered on price competitiveness and China-specific models, success is far from assured, given the rapid technological advances of Chinese EV makers and the aggressive positioning of rivals such as Tesla.

Hyundai and Kia sold a total of 1.14 million cars in China in 2016, lifting their market share to around 5 percent. But following Beijing's backlash against Korean brands related to the deployment of the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense antimissle system, or Thaad, sales fell sharply every year, dropping to 196,746 units in 2025, with market share edging just above 0.8 percent.

China remains the world's largest auto market, with roughly 31.4 million vehicles sold last year, nearly twice the United States' 15.98 million.

Golden and Aurora-inspired Ioniqs

Hyundai's first attempt at increasing market share seems based on leaning into themes that resonate with Chinese consumers — notably futuristic concepts such as gold and space.

Hyundai recently held a launch event in China for its EV brand Ioniq, unveiling concept models "Venus" and "Earth" for the first time globally, featuring gold and aurora-inspired designs aimed at a highly futuristic aesthetic.

"China has an auto market that is 60 percent controlled by domestic brands, and in order to survive there, Hyundai needs to improve its price competitiveness," said Cho Chuel, senior research fellow specializing in the automotive and Chinese industries at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade.

"At the same time, it lags significantly behind local players in autonomous driving, so it must find a differentiating edge that can overcome that gap."

Learning from past missteps, Hyundai this time joined forces with Momenta, a Chinese self-driving technology firm, to equip its upcoming China-specific models with locally optimized autonomous driving systems.

Pricing for the new Ioniq models has not yet been disclosed, but is expected to be significantly adjusted downward.

Hyundai's Elexio, a China-dedicated electric model launched last year, starts at around 120,000 yuan ($17,600) in the Chinese market — a far lower price than domestic EV pricing, where the Ioniq series begins in the mid-50 million won ($33,700) range.

Hyundai's Chinese subsidiary, Beijing Hyundai, currently operates three factories with an annual production capacity of 1.66 million units. However, their utilization levels fell to just 26.5 percent last year.

The company will also unveil production-ready designs and product details for China at the Beijing International Motor Show 2026 later this month, along with plans for a full-cycle EV ecosystem spanning sales and aftersales service.

Hyundai CEO José Muñoz said he plans to launch 20 China-dedicated models over the next five years, targeting sales of 500,000 units by 2030, in a new strategy called "In China, for China and to the world," specified in a letter to shareholders last month.

Rivals on the offensive

It's not just Hyundai. China has also become a top priority for all global automakers in the midst of the U.S. President Donald Trump administration's skeptical stance on EVs.

Tesla is in the process of developing a smaller, cheaper SUV aimed at China, which will be 4.28 meters (14 feet) in length — 51 centimeters (20 inches) shorter than the Model Y — and uses a smaller battery pack, bringing th...

Joh Sung-wook

The author is a professor at Seoul National University College of Business School and a member of the Reset Korea economic division.

Korea is approaching a critical turning point as the number of school-age children continues to decline due to persistently low birth rates. Since 2000, the country's fertility rate has fallen almost every year. From 2020, the number of newborns dropped below 300,000, marking the start of natural population decline. Although the fertility rate has edged up slightly from 0.72 to 0.8 over the past two years, the annual number of births remains just above 250,000.

The effects are already visible in classrooms. This year, an elementary school in Seoul opened its semester without a single first-grade student for the first time in the city's record. Nationwide, 210 schools reported no new enrollments, an 81 percent increase from 116 such schools in 2021. Smaller class sizes can allow teachers to better understand individual students and provide tailored instruction. However, when classes shrink too much, students lose opportunities to interact with peers and participate in group activities, through which they develop social skills. School closures can also force students to commute long distances to attend new schools.

These challenges are not new. A study titled "The Effects of School Closure Threats on Student Performance: Evidence from a Natural Experiment," published in the B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy, examined similar developments in Hong Kong. The research, conducted by the author along with Ming Chu and Lawrence Ku, found that declining student populations increased per-student costs, placing further financial strain on schools and sometimes resulting in closures. In 2006, the number of elementary students in Hong Kong had dropped by 9 percent compared to 2000. As a result, 12 out of 18 school districts experienced closures, and the total number of elementary schools fell from 709 to 670.

The study also explored how these changes affected student performance. For areas in which school capacity and facilities exceeded student numbers, schools competed to attract students by adopting new and often costly educational programs with uncertain outcomes. Students exposed to unfamiliar teaching methods experienced higher levels of stress and demonstrated lower academic achievement compared to peers in other regions. When schools eventually closed, the negative impact on student performance was even greater. By contrast, closing underperforming schools and transferring students to better ones improved overall learning outcomes.

Without a long-term national vision and a coordinated strategy, Korea's fertility rate is likely to remain low or continue to decline. As student numbers fall, it will be impossible to sustain all existing schools. Institutions with large numbers of empty seats will face mounting pressure to restructure or merge. Given that most Koreans live in Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan area, consolidating schools based solely on student numbers risks accelerating population decline in regional areas.

Restructuring, therefore, must be approached with careful consideration of balanced national development. Policymakers should ensure that schools serving as regional hubs are maintained so that young students are not forced to endure excessively long commutes. At the same time, in areas where student populations are too small, consolidation is necessary to ensure the viability of education. Schools that enhance human capital and prepare students for future economic and technological environments should be preserved, but those that fail to do so should be closed. In particular, institutions with strong competitiveness in specialized fields should be prioritized.

Once clear principles and direction are established, swift implementation is essential. Delays only increase costs and prolong uncertainty for students. Change is often met with resistance. People...