Historical Education Policy and Its Impact on the Development of Research Ethics in South Korea

Purpose: This study examines how South Korea’s historical education policies have shaped the development of research ethics, with a particular focus on the interaction between Confucian traditions, state-led reforms, and global ethical standards. It explores how curriculum reforms and policy shifts influenced the ethical governance of research in academic and institutional contexts. Research design, data, and methodology: A qualitative research design was employed, using document analysis guided by PRISMA criteria to systematically screen literature published between 2020 and 2025. Sources included government policy documents, academic studies, and international frameworks. Thematic analysis was conducted to trace the connections between educational reforms, research governance, and cultural influences on ethical. Results: Research resi;ts reveal that the institutionalization of Research Ethics Committees, revisions to the Bioethics and Safety Act, and integration of applied ethics curricula were decisive outcomes of policy evolution. Confucian values reinforced responsibility and moral authority while also constraining transparency, leading to a hybrid governance model. Alignment with the Declaration of Helsinki and crisis-responsive measures during COVID-19 highlighted Korea’s global integration in research ethics. Conclusions: The study concludes that South Korea’s education policies fostered a unique ethical framework that balances cultural heritage and international standards, positioning the nation as a leader in ethical research governance.