The education ministry has dropped Korean language, technology and home economics from the list of subjects originally set for inclusion in the artificial intelligence(AI) digital textbooks it is introducing in 2025. 

The ministry had previously announced plans to use AI digital textbooks to teach mathematics, English, Information Technology(IT) and Korean language in 2025 before adding social studies, history, science and technology, and home economics by 2028.

According to Education Minister Lee Ju-ho on Friday, the use of AI digital textbooks to teach social studies, science and history will be delayed by one year from 2026 to 2027.

The minister said the adjustment was made after a comprehensive review of opinions from the field and experts, as well as the policy environment at regional education offices.

Seventeen education superintendents in the country called for the adjustments last month amid concerns about a decline in literacy and overreliance on digital devices.

AI digital textbooks will be introduced in the 2025 academic year for mathematics, English and information subjects for elementary school students in the third and fourth grades, as well as for students in their first year of middle school or high school.