Controversial Remarks by Megastudy Chairman Spark Outrage Among Students and Parents

Son Joo-eun, the chairman of Megastudy Group, has come under fire for inappropriate comments made during a special lecture aimed at high school students. On November 22, he addressed over 500 first and second-year students at a religious facility in Daegu, where his remarks drew significant criticism.

During the lecture, Son discussed changes in the college entrance examination system and brought up the issue of declining birth rates in South Korea. He suggested that if teenagers give birth, they should be granted greater opportunities for college admission, stating, "If we don't have children, South Korea cannot sustain itself. Having children is more important than going to college," and urged female students to reconsider their priorities. He emphasized that having children in their late teens or early twenties is one of the most crucial contributions they can make to the country, adding, "If you can't get married, at least have children as soon as possible."

In a particularly controversial statement, Son compared underperforming female students to sex workers, recalling a past conversation with a student. He reportedly said, "If you live like this, your life will be worse than that of a sex worker. You end up giving away your wealth, having children, and becoming a man's plaything. At least a sex worker gets paid, but you end up giving away money, so your life looks like this."

Students who attended the lecture expressed their discomfort, and some parents have lodged complaints with the school. A high school representative announced on November 25 that they received an apology from Son through Megastudy.

In response to the backlash, Megastudy Group issued a statement acknowledging that some expressions used during the lecture may have caused discomfort among students, despite the intention to discuss the importance of changing future generations' awareness regarding low birth rates and the value of education in shaping their futures.