The IeEU Korea hosted a forum on the 17th and 18th, inviting 27 speakers from 8 different countries to share the current state and case studies of esports education worldwide.

Commemorating the Year of Cultural Exchange between Korea, China, and Japan, this forum was designed to discuss the pressing issues and the future of esports education with global experts. Alongside the core trio of Korea, China, and Japan, professionals from the USA, UK, Finland, Portugal, and Taiwan gathered for the event.

The event was hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and organised by the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE) and the Chungnam Culture Content Agency (CCON). It was supported by Chungcheongnam-do and planned and operated by IeEU Korea.

Choi Sam-ha, Chairman of IeEU Korea, remarked, "Esports is no longer just a simple game or a hobby; it is a powerful educational platform where young people can explore future professional pathways." He expressed his hope that this forum would serve as a starting point for setting new standards in Korean esports education.

Following this, Kim Gok-mi, President of CCON, stated, "We will spare no support at the regional level to help youths in the Chungnam area cultivate their future capabilities through esports, a field they are truly passionate about." Zhu QinQin, President of the Shanghai Esports Association, also expressed a strong desire to expand educational exchanges between Korea, China, and Japan.

The forum sought to shift the paradigm, moving away from the conventional view that focuses solely on professional player training and competition. Instead, it redefined esports as an educational platform for cultivating future professional roles. It introduced educational models where students can explore diverse careers—such as data analysis, game design, broadcasting, coaching, and content production—through the medium of esports.

Key speakers from each nation shared their insights on various models, including school-based esports education in Northern Europe, large-scale industry-linked systems in China, initiatives for healthy gaming culture in Japan, vocational-centric curricula in the US and UK, and the current landscape of Korean esports education, all while seeking a collective path for global development.

Based on the outcomes of this prequel forum, IeEU Korea plans to flesh out international exchange and educational program models targeted at young people using esports as the core vehicle.

By maintaining ongoing discussions with the experts from these 8 countries, they are exploring ways to evolve from traditional, tournament-centric events into participatory and educational programs. In these new models, participants would engage directly in the entire process—including planning, promotion, operation, and awards management. The ultimate goal is to provide hands-on job experience across the esports industry and contribute to the cultivation of future talent in the content sector.