대학 부도의 날 [풀영상] | 창 557회 (KBS 26.7.28.)

"Just Go to College" Through the rapid economic growth of the 1990s, the demand for college graduates increased across various industries, and a university degree became an essential commodity for the public. However, at that time, the number of universities was only about one-third the number of prospective students. There was a shortage of universities. The government eased establishment requirements to increase the number of universities. It was from this point that universities began to be established throughout the country. The number of universities, which stood at 304 in 1995, increased to 360 by 2005. ■ School Closure Policy Implemented Just 10 Years After Increasing University Numbers… The Butterfly Effect of Regional Extinction The decline in the school-age population in the 2000s was a foreseen event. It was the result of the low birth rate phenomenon that had already been underway since the 1980s. As the number of prospective students decreased, the number of universities unable to fill their student quotas increased compared to the past. Most of these were relatively less popular private universities in provincial areas. Adding insult to injury, corruption scandals involving the foundations of some schools erupted. Student recruitment became even more difficult. Schools faced financial hardship due to reduced tuition revenue and were unable to fulfill their proper roles. The government belatedly drew its sword. It identified universities unable to recruit students each year and cut off financial support. This was done to remove the life support system and pressure them into closing down. Since 2000, 22 universities nationwide have closed their doors. Of these, 20 were regional universities. Students had to urgently prepare to transfer to nearby universities to continue their studies. Researchers, including professors, lost their lifelong jobs and began to worry about their livelihoods. The burden of finding solutions for utilizing the closed school sites fell on local governments. Experts point out that in the case of regional areas, the disappearance of a single university deals a severe blow to the surrounding economic zone. This is because if a university closes, there is no reason for young people to come to that region. The result is regional extinction. ■ Student population to halve in 15 years… Seoul Must Also Join in Reducing University Enrollment This year, the school-age population is less than 500,000. In 15 years, it is predicted to drop to 240,000, a reduction by half. Universities nationwide will face a much harsher "student recruitment crisis" than they do now. However, students will likely be filled only by top-tier universities in Seoul that are popular. This is why warnings are being issued that all private universities in the provinces will disappear. Experts point out that the reduction of student enrollment should not be forced solely on provincial universities. They argue that adjustments to enrollment quotas for universities located in Seoul must also be considered. This does not mean that universities in Seoul should share the burden with provincial universities. Seoul National University has 17,000 undergraduate students, while Yonsei University and Korea University have approximately 20,000 each. In the U.S., Harvard, Yale, and Stanford universities have around 7,000 students. Universities in Seoul are experiencing a decline in the quality of instruction due to "student overcrowding." Adjustments are necessary. "Sisa Gijeok Chang" posed a question to the Ministry of Education. What are the government's current principles regarding university policy? We cannot repeat the trial and error of the past 30 years, which ranged from a surge in the number of universities to a decline in the school-age population and ultimately to university closure policies. Furthermore, what kind of future will be brought about by the current university closure policy, which shifts the burden entirely onto local regions and exacerbates regional imbalances? What kind of future will we ultimately face for our universities? #University #Closure #CollegeClosure #RegionalUniversityClosure #HigherEducationPolicy #MinistryOfEducation #University Broadcast Date: July 28, 2026, 10:00 PM, KBS 1TV Current Affairs Planning Window Reporter: Oh Seung-mok Cameraman: Park Chan-geol Video Editor: Kim Dae-young Writer & Composition: Jang So-yeon External Filming: Kang Ho-jin, Kim Hee-geun, Seol Tae-hoon Research: Heo Seo-yeon Assistant Director: Yoon Sang-hoon 'Current Affairs Planning Window' Website https://news.kbs.co.kr/vod/program.do... YouTube @kbssisa Facebook Facebook: changkbs Search 'Current Affairs Planning Window' on WAVVE