Seoul: The presidential office has denied a recent news report suggesting that the government is considering a plan to partially reinstate the open-to-all state-run bar exam, which was abolished in 2017. This exam previously allowed individuals outside the law school system to become licensed lawyers.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang Yu-jung, a spokesperson for the presidential office, clarified the government's stance in a press notice. This response followed a local newspaper's claim that the government is assessing a proposal to reinstate the bar exam, potentially allowing for the selection of 50 to 150 lawyers annually from outside the law school system. The newspaper reported that this plan would be presented to President Lee Jae Myung after a final evaluation.

Currently, eligibility for the bar exam is restricted to individuals who have completed three years of legal studies at law schools. The open-to-all bar exam was eliminated in 2017 with the introduction of the new law school system. This system was aimed at cultivating judicial professionals from a range of backgrounds. However, it has faced criticism for being accessible predominantly to those from affluent families who can afford the high tuition costs.

President Lee acknowledged in a town hall meeting in June that he partially agrees with the critique that the law school system favors the wealthy. He noted that while it might be challenging to entirely revoke the current system, he has instructed officials to explore options that would offer opportunities to those who do not attend law school.