KS's Global Insights into Higher Education

The global rise of "K" branding is undeniable. Sparked by the Korean Wave, terms like K-pop and K-dramas became household names. Later, K-quarantine emerged during the pandemic, and in more recent political turbulence, even "K-democracy" entered the lexicon. Together, they reflect the undeniable strength of Korea’s soft power. And while many countries begin with the letter “K,” it is perhaps only when paired with the assets of South Korea that the initial feels natural, even self-assured. Education has recently entered this expanding K-brand universe. The notion of “K-Ed” is already widely recognized, both for its merits and its flaws. On one hand, it reflects the national ethos that “our only real resource is human capital,” and indeed, South Korea’s meteoric rise owes much to its education system. International benchmarks such as PISA have consistently validated Korea’s academic excellence. Yet there is a darker side to this success story. The relentless pursuit...