The article discusses the challenges faced by social work trainees in South Korea, particularly focusing on a case where a trainee was expected to perform cleaning and meal preparation instead of engaging in relevant social work activities. This commentary underscores a widespread issue where social workers in training are often assigned unqualified tasks that do not contribute to their professional development, despite having to pay substantial training fees, which in some cases include additional demands for donations. The profession, which has seen a significant increase in qualified personnel, is grappling with systemic problems related to unregulated training practices, leading to concerns over the quality and preparedness of social workers.

Since the introduction of social work in South Korea in 1983, the system has evolved, but the requirement for trainees to complete practical training has been poorly managed, leaving many trainees feeling disillusioned. The upcoming implementation of a new Integrated Care Service in March, designed to offer cohesive support for the elderly and disabled, adds urgency to the need for capable social workers who can effectively coordinate and deliver the required services. Social workers are expected to play a pivotal role in designing and connecting these services, and if they lack the proper training, the overall service quality may diminish significantly.

With over 1.5 million social workers having been trained since the system's inception, the article raises critical questions about the integrity of the training process. The Ministry of Health and Welfare's recent initiatives to improve integrated care illustrate a recognition of these issues, but without addressing the quality of practical training, the service's intended outcomes may remain unattainable. The article emphasizes the importance of restructuring the training framework to ensure that future social workers are adequately prepared to meet the demands of an increasingly complex social care landscape.