On January 19, 2026, the Blue House held a senior aides meeting chaired by Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik to address recent issues undermining the fairness of college admissions and the proliferation of fake Korean products. In his opening remarks, Kang emphasized that the foundation of a fair Korea lies in managing admissions systems without cheating. He pointed out that recent cases of illegal exam trading and leaks have seriously damaged public trust in the education system. Kang stressed that these acts are not just individual misconduct but significant threats to the entire educational system and social order.
Kang called for sincere reflection and apologies from educational authorities for the sense of frustration and helplessness felt by students. He instructed the Ministry of Education and local education offices to thoroughly inspect not only the current incidents but also the overall management of admissions and internal grading systems for any further irregularities. Kang also highlighted the growing issue of counterfeit Korean products abroad, especially as K-Beauty and K-Food gain global popularity. He warned that these fake goods not only harm Korean companies but also threaten the health and safety of overseas consumers and undermine trust in Korean products.
Kang stated that the problem of counterfeit Korean goods cannot be solved by individual companies alone. He ordered relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Intellectual Property Office, to cooperate in thoroughly reviewing current systems and to swiftly propose legal amendments and budget support if necessary. The Blue House indicated that these measures are crucial for restoring public trust and enhancing the international reputation of Korean products. Deputy spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong officially announced the meeting’s outcomes, reaffirming the government’s strong commitment.
Going forward, the government is expected to intensify efforts to improve transparency in admissions and internal grading, and to establish legal and institutional measures to eradicate fake Korean products. These actions aim to restore trust in education and strengthen the global competitiveness of Korean brands. The government’s initiatives are likely to further build a Korea that is trusted by both its citizens and international consumers. This approach is anticipated to play a significant role in preventing similar incidents and enhancing the country’s image.
The Blue House’s announcement demonstrates a strategic approach to restoring trust and boosting global competitiveness in both education and industry. Ensuring fairness in college admissions is fundamental to addressing social inequality and nurturing future talent, while combating counterfeit Korean products is essential for the sustained growth of K-Culture and the protection of national brand value. Effective inter-agency cooperation and institutional reforms could significantly enhance transparency and fairness in Korean society, with long-term benefits for both domestic and international trust.