South Korea faces a sharp rise in school dropouts, with high school students experiencing the highest rate at 5% among 100 surveyed, according to the latest government data.
Survey Details
The Ministry of Education released findings from the ‘2025 Second Semester School Dropout Actual Survey’ on October 17. The survey targeted 220,000 students from fourth-grade elementary school through second-year high school for re-enrollment between September 22 and October 21. Approximately 170,000 students, or 76.6%, participated.
Overall Dropout Rates
Across elementary, middle, and high school students, 3% reported dropping out. This marks an increase from the 2.5% recorded in the first semester of 2025, reaching the highest level to date.
Breakdown by School Level
- High school students: 5%
- Middle school students: 2.4%
- Elementary school students: 1%
These figures highlight a significant trend, particularly in high schools, where dropouts outpace other levels.
Primary Reasons for Dropping Out
Employment emerges as the leading cause, cited by 40.5% of dropouts. Other key factors include:
- Family circumstances: 15.3%
- Mental health issues: 13.9%
- Private academy attendance: 6.8%
- Stalking: 5.6%
- Sexual violence: 5.1%
Factors Preventing Dropouts
Only 1.1% of students overall cited reasons for avoiding dropout. By school level:
- High school: 1.9%
- Middle school: 0.9%
- Elementary school: 0.2%
Among those who considered dropping out but stayed, 57.8% adjusted to their circumstances. Additional responses included school teacher guidance (14%), parental persuasion (12.3%), no specific reason (8.9%), and personal dropout experience (7.1%).
Post-Dropout Experiences
Students who dropped out most commonly reported no special reasons for the decision (24.6%). Upon leaving school, 28.5% informed their teachers first.
