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24 J. Korean L. 1 (2025)

handle is hein.journals/jkorl24 and id is 1 raw text is: Journal of Korean Law I Vol. 24, 1-34, February 2025 Internationalization in the Korean Law School System -Its Demand and Structural Barriers* Jae-Hyup Lee** and Jisuk Woo*** Abstract This article examines the internationalization of Korean legal education following the introduction of the Juris Doctor (JD) system in 2009. The reform aimed to produce globally competitive lawyers equipped with diverse expertise and international legal skills. However, over time, Korean law schools have increasingly prioritized bar exam preparation over fostering international competencies. Structural barriers, including bar exam requirements, rigid evaluation standards, and limited degree program options, have constrained the integration of global perspectives into legal curricula. The absence of specialized LLM programs, insufficient English-taught courses, and low enrollment in international law subjects further hinder the internationalization process. Despite government-led efforts to globalize higher education, Korean law schools lag behind other academic disciplines in attracting international students and faculty, establishing cross-border degree programs, and offering meaningful global exposure. The study highlights the need for reforms, including curriculum diversification, the creation of LLM and joint-degree programs, a balanced bar exam framework, and expanded exchange initiatives. By addressing these structural and institutional challenges, Korean law schools can better prepare graduates to meet the demands of an increasingly globalized legal market. This paper underscores the urgency of aligning legal education policies with Korea's broader internationalization goals tofoster a new generation of globally competent legal professionals. KEYWORDS: internationalization, legal education, law school, bar exam, specialization Manuscript received: January 5, 2025; review completed: January 23, 2025; accepted: February 10, 2025. * This article was funded by the 2024 Research Fund of the Seoul National University Asia-Pacific Law Institute, donated by the Seoul National University Law Foundation. ** First Author; Professor, Seoul National University School of Law. *** Corresponding Author; Professor, Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Administration (jisuk@snu.ac.kr).