Seoul: A parliamentary committee passed a bill on Thursday that reclassifies artificial intelligence (AI)-generated educational resources as “education materials” rather than official textbooks, overturning the previous administration’s initiative to implement AI digital textbooks nationwide.

According to Yonhap News Agency, during the committee’s plenary session, the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and the minor Rebuilding Korea Party supported the bill, despite opposition from the main opposition People Power Party (PPP). DP Representative Baek Seung-ah stated that the party does not oppose AI textbooks per se, but rather the substantial resources allocated to producing what they consider to be low-quality textbooks.

The Democratic Party explained that their decision to approve the revision to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act was made after thorough deliberation and discussion under the current administration. However, PPP lawmakers criticized the ruling party’s actions, labeling them a regression for educational innovation, especially at a time when AI-based learning is gaining global momentum.

The opposition also expressed concern over the abrupt withdrawal of a significant policy due to an administrative change, emphasizing that AI textbooks aim to ensure equal educational opportunities for disadvantaged groups. The initial bill had been passed by the Assembly during the previous Yoon Suk Yeol administration but was later nullified following a presidential veto.

The Democratic Party is now working towards passing the revision at a plenary session scheduled for July 23.