Lawyer Yang So-young, a 53-year-old mother of three, has become a topic of interest for her unique approach to raising children who all gained admission to Seoul National University. In a recent YouTube video titled “Not Annoying Attention-Seeking Older Sister,” she shared insights into her parenting strategies, emphasizing the crucial role of reading and language skills in her children’s academic success.
Yang highlighted that her children focused heavily on the Korean language, often participating in private tutoring sessions for reading and essay writing. She humorously remarked, “I think I sent them to Seoul National University through the Korean language.” Her statement underscores the belief that strong reading comprehension skills are foundational for excelling in various subjects, including science and social studies.
She explained that her youngest child, during middle school, had a math teacher who advised her, “Mother, please have them read a lot of books.” According to Yang, as math problems become more complex and require longer passages, reading comprehension becomes essential for progress. “In the end, the children who excel in math are those with strong reading comprehension skills,” she said, reinforcing the idea that Korean language and reading are the most important aspects of education.
Yang identified the key factor in sending a child to Seoul National University as the mother’s own engagement with reading. She encouraged mothers to study extensively, stating, “Books allow indirect experiences of worlds I haven’t personally encountered.” She further suggested that it would be beneficial if mothers and children read together, fostering a shared love for learning.
Her views on early study abroad and English kindergartens were more nuanced. While she acknowledged that these options could be valuable if the goal is clear, she expressed skepticism about their necessity. Yang recounted her own experiences with her children attending English kindergartens. Her first child attended from age six but quit after a year due to the difficulty. The second child started at age five, but by age six, they also found it too challenging. For the youngest, she even threatened, “If you don’t go to English kindergarten, I’ll spank you seven times.” After receiving the punishment, the youngest proudly declared, “I don’t have to go to English kindergarten anymore.” This moment made Yang realize the approach was flawed, leading her to abandon the idea.
Yang emphasized that if parents can accompany their children abroad, early study abroad may be a viable option. However, she opposed it if parents cannot be present. She also noted that English kindergartens are not absolutely necessary.
Throughout her career, Yang has held significant roles, including vice president of the Korean Women Attorneys Association and public relations director of the Korean Bar Association. It is reported that her first and second children, daughters, enrolled in the Business Administration Department at Seoul National University, while her youngest son entered the School of Electrical and Information Engineering.
In summary, Yang’s approach to education highlights the importance of reading, language skills, and parental involvement. Her story offers valuable lessons for parents seeking to support their children’s academic journeys.