In response to a growing controversy surrounding the price of school uniforms in South Korea, the Ministry of Education announced on the 26th that it will recommend the abolition of formal school uniforms in favor of more comfortable alternatives like casual or sports uniforms. This decision aims to alleviate the financial burden on families, especially as existing support for uniforms has been largely consumed in purchasing formal attire that students rarely wear. The Ministry's move marks a significant shift in policy, as similar discussions have only occurred at the local school or educational district level until now.

The proposed changes also include modifying the way subsidies for school uniforms are provided. Instead of traditional in-kind support, the Ministry advocates for cash or voucher systems, allowing families to choose necessary items within the support budget. Currently, 13 out of 17 educational districts employ in-kind support, while the remaining four utilize cash or vouchers. Additionally, the Ministry plans to conduct a nationwide survey of about 5,700 middle and high schools to analyze the pricing and selection of school uniforms, ensuring transparency and fairness in future procurement processes.

Furthermore, the Ministry aims to address money laundering practices in private tutoring costs, officially investigating and enforcing strict regulations against any fraudulent activities. Plans include referring cases of collusion in bidding processes to the police, restricting the bidding rights of offending suppliers, and imposing fines. The Ministry’s initiatives also highlight a commitment to supporting local small businesses by promoting cooperatives as uniform suppliers, thereby contributing to the local economy while fostering a more equitable school uniform system.