South Korea discontinues AI-based textbooks
In a surprising turn of events, South Korea's National Assembly passed a bill on Monday, effectively stripping AI-powered digital textbooks of their legal status as official textbooks [1][3][5]. These intelligent digital learning materials, once hailed as a flagship innovation policy under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, are now reclassified as "educational materials."
This move means that AI digital textbooks are no longer officially recognized as core teaching materials nor eligible for government funding, effectively ending their mandatory use in schools [1][3]. The amendment narrows the legal definition of textbooks to only printed books and e-books, explicitly excluding AI digital textbooks that use intelligent information technology [1][3].
The initiative, which was initially launched with significant funding (around 533.3 billion won or US$385 million allocated last year) [2], was piloted in the first semester of 2025 for various subjects and grades [6]. However, the policy shift and concerns voiced by educators and parents have led to a drop in adoption rates, with schools now adopting AI textbooks on a voluntary basis [1][3].
The Ministry of Education is supporting discussions with regional educational offices to ensure smooth transitions and minimize disruption, temporarily suspending certification reviews of AI textbooks [2]. However, the reclassification means that these digital textbooks will no longer receive government subsidies and may require students or schools to pay subscription fees if they choose to use them. This financial burden risks reducing adoption rates further and threatens the sustainability of AI textbook providers and ongoing development [4].
Publishers and developers of AI textbooks face layoffs and restructuring after large investments, given the loss of official support and funding [1]. Several textbook publishing firms have even filed an administrative lawsuit against the Education Ministry [7]. Industry representatives warn that without the legal textbook designation, usage rates could drop further, jeopardizing the estimated 800 billion won in total investments made into AI textbooks [8].
The policy reversal reflects opposition concerns about screen time, literacy impacts, and budget constraints, despite the promise of personalized learning experiences provided by AI textbooks [5]. The new status takes effect immediately and will remain until at least the end of 2027 [5].
In summary, AI-powered digital textbooks in South Korea are no longer officially recognized as textbooks but are downgraded to optional educational materials, with funding and mandatory adoption withdrawn following the National Assembly amendment in August 2025. Schools and publishers face uncertainty and challenges in this new status [1][3][5]. The Education Ministry has yet to present a concrete roadmap for winding down the AI textbook program.
- The unexpected change in legislation has shift the status of AI digital textbooks in South Korea's educational system, reclassifying them as optional educational materials rather than official textbooks, consequently ending their mandatory use and eligibility for government funding in schools, potentially leading to increased financial burdens for students and schools who choose to continue using them.
- The withdrawal of official recognition and funding has caused concerns within the industry, prompting publishers and developers of AI textbooks to face layoffs, restructuring, and even legal action against the Education Ministry, as the estimated 800 billion won invested in AI textbooks could be at risk if usage rates drop further due to their new status.
