Controversy is intensifying over the policy of introducing AI digital textbooks by the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Office of Education. On June 9, the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) began a field audit of the Ministry of Education's process of introducing AI digital textbooks. This audit, initiated in accordance with the 'BAI Audit Request Bill' passed by the National Assembly, is drawing attention as the first official verification of the core education policy of the past government led by Yoon Suk-yeol. The BAI plans to focus particularly on the transparency and fairness of the textbook review process, as well as the process of gathering opinions from teachers, parents, and education experts.

During the Yoon Suk-yeol government, the Ministry of Education strongly pushed for the introduction of AI digital textbooks starting from the 2025 academic year. However, criticism continues that various voices from the educational field were ignored in this process. The National Assembly's Education Committee pointed out that the government "forced through a project that has not been proven effective, disregarding the concerns of civil society, teachers, parents, and students," and the audit this time includes the 'appropriateness of the opinion gathering process' as a key item.

In this context, Seo Geo-seok, the Superintendent of Jeonbuk Office of Education, is further fueling controversy by fully embracing the policies of the past Yoon Suk-yeol government and issuing a circular to each school guiding the selection of 'overseas training teachers' for the expansion of AI digital textbooks. This training is criticized for being more of a formal budget execution rather than a substantial enhancement of teachers' capabilities, and within the education sector, there is a growing voice that emphasizes the need for effective policy review over formal training.

International research results warning of the negative impact of introducing AI digital textbooks on students' learning quality are also gaining attention. The 'Technology in Education' report released by UNESCO in 2023 cautioned that excessive use of digital devices could lead to decreased learning concentration, reduced literacy, vision problems, and worsening mental health. Furthermore, several studies analyzing data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) have indicated that the use of digital technology above a certain level could have a negative impact on students' academic achievement.

One prominent overseas case is Sweden. Sweden had fully introduced digital textbooks and tablet-based classes until 2022, but due to issues of decreased learning effectiveness, they reverted back to traditional physical textbooks and writing-centered classes. The Swedish Ministry of Education changed its policy direction to create an environment where students can properly develop basic learning competencies by accepting criticisms from teachers and education experts.

In relation to this, the education civic group 'Chamgyo Education Forum' (Representative Noh Byeong-seop) presented three demands to the Jeonbuk Office of Education through a statement on June 11. Firstly, an immediate halt to the overseas training program for the activation of AI digital textbooks, secondly, in-depth investigation and research on countries that have reverted to paper-based education like Sweden, and thirdly, a transparent and democratic discussion with teachers, parents, and education experts through a public discourse process before deciding on the introduction of digital textbooks.

The Chamgyo Education Forum emphasized that education is a process that is carried out vibrantly through interaction between students and teachers, stating that "policies driven unilaterally and hastily should be withdrawn, and sincere efforts are needed to create a student-centered educational environment."