학교법인 원석학원 입장문

대구회생법원은 2026년 7월 3일 학교법인 원석학원의 파산을 선고하였습니다.

파산을 신청하신 61명의 교직원 외에도 여러 교직원 여러분께 체불임금으로 고통을 드렸으며, 1,774명의 신경주대학교 재학생, 해외에서 공부하러 온 594명의 유학생, 221명의 신라고등학교 재학생, 학생들의 부모님, 약 5만 명의 신라고등학교, (구)서라벌대학교, (구)경주대학교 동문, 그리고 무엇보다 마음속으로 응원해주셨던 경주시민께도 많은 걱정과 실망을 안겨드리게 된 점에 대하여 깊은 책임을 느끼며 진심으로 송구스럽게 생각합니다.

학교법인은 그동안 학령인구 감소와 대학 경영환경 악화 속에서도 외국인 유학생 유치 확대, 수요중심 학과 개편, 대학 운영 효율화 등을 통해 재정구조를 개선하고, 대학의 경쟁력을 회복하기 위한 다양한 노력을 지속하여 왔습니다. 그럼에도 불구하고 체불임금을 완전하게는 해소하지 못하였기에, 금번 법원의 판단을 무겁게 받아들이고 있습니다.

최우선으로는 재학생의 학습권을 보호하면서도 채권자들의 권익을 보호할 수 있는 방안이 ’법인회생‘이라 판단하고, 파산선고 직후부터 회생절차 신청을 준비하고 있습니다. 회생법원에서 회생절차 개시신청을 받아들여 주시어 개시를 결정하기 전까지는 파산재판부, 파산관재인, 교육부에 학교가 정상적으로 운영되도록 관련 허가를 구하면서도, 학교법인 파산이 고등학교와 대학교의 폐교를 의미하는 것은 아니기 때문에, 51명의 신라고등학교 교직원, 211명의 신경주대학교 교직원은 정상적인 교육활동에 최선을 다하고 있습니다.

학교법인은 이번 사태를 계기로 더욱 무거운 책임감을 가지고 대학의 정상화와 지속 가능한 발전을 위해 모든 역량을 집중하겠으며, 이제는 모든 구성원이 하나 된 모습으로 대학을 살리기 위해 동문과 경주시민께 의견을 여쭙고 함께 동화되어 지역 구성원으로서 책임을 다하는 대학이 되도록 노력하겠습니다.

학생과 학부모, 교직원, 동문 및 경주시민 여러분께 다시 한번 심려를 끼쳐드린 점 깊이 사과드리며, 구체적인 회생방안 및 앞으로 진척되는 사항은 대학 홈페이지에 관련 공지 게시판을 통하여 신속하고 투명하게 안내드리도록 하겠습니다.

감사합니다.

2026년 7월 16일

신경주대학교 총장 김준수

경주시 입장 관련 기사:

https://www.ksmnews.co.kr/news/view.php?idx=613054

Official Statement on the Bankruptcy Order and Rehabilitation Process of the Wonseok Educational Foundation

On July 3, 2026, the Daegu Bankruptcy Court issued a bankruptcy order for the Wonseok Educational Foundation, the legal entity that operates Singyeongju University and Silla High School.

We sincerely apologize for the hardship caused by the prolonged delay in wage payments, not only to the 61 faculty and staff members who filed the bankruptcy petition but also to many other members of our academic community. We also extend our deepest apologies to the 1,774 students of Singyeongju University, 594 international students who have come from overseas to pursue their studies with us, 221 students of Silla High School, their parents and families, approximately 50,000 alumni of Silla High School, former Seorabeol University, and former Gyeongju University, and above all, to the citizens of Gyeongju who have continued to support us with their trust and encouragement. We deeply regret the concern and disappointment this situation has caused.

Despite the continuing challenges arising from Korea's declining college-age population and the increasingly difficult environment facing higher education institutions, the Foundation has made sustained efforts to improve its financial condition by expanding international student enrollment, restructuring academic programs to better meet societal needs, and enhancing institutional efficiency. These initiatives have strengthened the University's competitiveness and financial structure. Nevertheless, we were unable to completely resolve the outstanding wage arrears, and we therefore accept the Court's decision with humility and a profound sense of responsibility.

Believing that court-supervised rehabilitation represents the best means of protecting both our students' right to education and the legitimate interests of our creditors, the Foundation began preparing its application for rehabilitation proceedings immediately following the bankruptcy order.

Until the Rehabilitation Court decides whether to commence rehabilitation proceedings, we will continue to seek the necessary approvals from the Bankruptcy Court, the court-appointed bankruptcy trustee, and the Ministry of Education to ensure the continued and stable operation of our educational institutions.

It is important to emphasize that the bankruptcy of the Educational Foundation does not mean the closure of either Singyeongju University or Silla High School. Both institutions continue to operate in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Accordingly, the 51 faculty and staff members of Silla High School and the 211 faculty and staff members of Singyeongju University remain fully committed to providing normal educational activities and ensuring that students can continue their education without interruption.

The Foundation will regard this difficult moment as an opportunity to reaffirm its responsibilities and will devote every available effort to restoring the University's stability and ensuring its sustainable future. We will also work together with our faculty and staff, students, alumni, and the citizens of Gyeongju, listening carefully to their valuable advice and support, so that we may overcome this crisis together and continue serving our community as a trusted institution of education.

Once again, we sincerely apologize to our students, parents, faculty and staff, alumni, and the citizens of Gyeongju for the concern and anxiety this situation has caused.

The Foundation will communicate its rehabilitation plan and all significant developments promptly and transparently through the official website of Singyeongju University.

We sincerely appreciate your understanding, encouragement, and continued support during this challenging time.

July 16, 2026

Dr. Joon Soo Kim

President

Singyeongju University