Daegu’s Study Suspension Union Festival Grows 15% in 5 Years
Daegu Sees Rise in Students Seeking Academic Suspension
Table of Contents
- Daegu Sees Rise in Students Seeking Academic Suspension
- Academic Suspension Program Sees Increased participation
- Participation Varies by School Level
- Dropout Rate Remains a Concern
- Contributing Factors
- Efforts to Support Students
- Daegu Sees Rise in Students Seeking Academic Suspension: A Q&A
- What is the ”Academic Suspension Program”?
- Why are students in Daegu seeking academic suspension?
- How has participation in the Academic Suspension Program changed?
- What does the Academic Suspension Program offer?
- How does participation vary across different school levels?
- What is the dropout rate despite the program?
- What efforts are being made to support students?
DAEGU, South Korea (April 27, 2025) — Concerns are mounting as an increasing number of students in Daegu express worries about dropping out of school, leading to a rise in participation in the “Academic Suspension Festival,” a program designed to support struggling students.
Academic Suspension Program Sees Increased participation
Figures released by the Daegu Office of Education indicate a meaningful increase in student participation in the academic suspension program, also known as the unemployment system. Over the past five years, participation has risen by 148 students, a 14.5% increase, from 870 in 2020 to 1,018 last year.
The academic suspension program offers students grappling with the possibility of dropping out a temporary reprieve, ranging from one to seven weeks. During this period, students and their parents can apply for participation, allowing schools to provide crucial psychological counseling, career exploration opportunities, and option educational pathways aimed at encouraging students to continue their studies.
Participation Varies by School Level
Data shows varying levels of participation across different school levels between 2019 and 2024:
- Elementary school students: increased 1.1 times (24 to 27)
- Middle school students: Increased 1.6 times (196 to 309)
- High school students: Increased 1.1 times (650 to 682)
Notably, high school students consistently represent a significant portion, between 60% and 70%, of total program participants, far exceeding the participation rates of elementary and middle school students.
Dropout Rate Remains a Concern
Despite participation in the academic suspension program, the dropout rate remains a concern. As of last year, approximately 39.5% of students who participated in the program ultimately discontinued their schooling.
Contributing Factors
Education officials attribute the rising concerns about dropping out to several factors, including the intense competition surrounding university entrance exams.
Kim Seong-cheon, a professor at the Graduate School of Education Policy, Korea National University of Education, noted the challenges students face, stating, “It is indeed challenging to make up for ruining the internal gods in a large situation.”
The disruption to school life following the COVID-19 pandemic is also cited as a contributing factor. A high school teacher in Daegu, with 25 years of experience, observed an increase in students struggling to connect with their peers after prolonged periods of isolation during the pandemic.
The number of students participating in the delegation system reflects this trend, rising from 870 in 2020 and 933 in 2021 to 1,132 in 2022.
Efforts to Support Students
According to an official from the Daegu Office of Education, the office actively identifies students at risk of discontinuing their studies and recommends the academic suspension program as a supportive intervention.
The Daegu Office of Education provides comprehensive support to students participating in the program, including counseling, career exploration opportunities, and arts-related activities. This support is facilitated through collaborations with external professional institutions, such as local universities, professional organizations, youth counseling welfare centers, and other support networks.
Daegu Sees Rise in Students Seeking Academic Suspension: A Q&A
DAEGU, South Korea (April 27, 2025) — This article explains the increasing trend of students in Daegu, South Korea, expressing concerns about dropping out of school and the support systems in place to help them.
What is the ”Academic Suspension Program”?
The “Academic Suspension Program” is designed to support students in Daegu who are considering dropping out of school. It provides a temporary break, lasting from one to seven weeks, allowing students and their parents to apply for participation.
Why are students in Daegu seeking academic suspension?
Several factors contribute to students’ concerns about dropping out of school, including:
- Intense competition surrounding university entrance exams.
- Disruption to school life following the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to difficulties reconnecting with peers.
How has participation in the Academic Suspension Program changed?
Participation has increased significantly in recent years. Over the past five years, student participation in the program has risen by 148 students, a 14.5% increase, from 870 in 2020 to 1,018 last year. The number of students participating in the delegation system also reflects this trend, rising from 870 in 2020 and 933 in 2021 to 1,132 in 2022.
What does the Academic Suspension Program offer?
The program offers a temporary reprieve ranging from one to seven weeks.During this time, schools provide:
- Psychological counseling.
- Career exploration opportunities.
- Alternative educational pathways.
How does participation vary across different school levels?
Participation rates vary among elementary, middle, and high school students. Here’s a breakdown of the participation changes between 2019 and 2024:
| School Level | Change in Participation |
|---|---|
| elementary School | Increased 1.1 times (24 to 27) |
| Middle School | Increased 1.6 times (196 to 309) |
| High School | Increased 1.1 times (650 to 682) |
What is the dropout rate despite the program?
Despite the program, the dropout rate remains a concern. Approximately 39.5% of students who participated in the program ultimately discontinued their schooling.
What efforts are being made to support students?
The Daegu Office of Education actively identifies students at risk and recommends the academic suspension program. They also provide comprehensive support,including counseling,career exploration,and arts-related activities. this support is facilitated through collaborations with local universities, professional organizations, youth counseling centers, and other support networks.