The so-called "4th grade examination" referred to the trend of private education for infants and toddlers in South Korea, which has also gained attention overseas.
On the 16th (local time), the Financial Times reported that "intense academic competition in South Korea is pushing children under the age of 6 into the private education market." The term "hagwon" was noted as a reference to private academies.
The Financial Times reported, citing statistics from the Ministry of Education, that 47.6% of children under 6 in South Korea attend private educational institutions, known as hagwon. It emphasized that about a quarter of children under 2 also receive private education. In the case of English kindergartens, it mentioned that the average monthly tuition of 1.5 million won is paid.
The Financial Times pointed out, "Hagwon that teach subjects such as English, math, science, and essay writing have become a major industry in South Korea, and this private education craze is increasing household liabilities and curtailing domestic consumption, not to mention leading to a demographic crisis," referencing the world’s lowest birth rate of 0.75 children per woman.
Through an interview with Professor Yang Jeong-ho of Sungkyunkwan University, the Financial Times also addressed the issue of elderly poverty. Professor Yang noted, "Young parents invest in their children's private education because they have personally experienced that it is the best way to enter college," adding, "However, excessive educational expenditure makes it difficult to save for retirement."
It also covered the story of a South Korean public servant who spends about one-third of their household income on private education. The public servant stated, "I don't want to fall behind because everyone else is doing it."