An assessment aired on broadcast suggests that young graduates of vocational high schools (meister and specialized high schools) are entering major corporations and the IT industry through technical and practical skills alone, establishing 'ability rather than academic background' as a new standard for success.

Part 1 of the SBS program 'Rewriting the Equation of Success - Young KK Are on Their Commute' covered the changes the AI era and the semiconductor industry boom are bringing to education and the job market. In particular, it highlighted how the traditional formula of 'success = academic credentials' is shifting, through a production worker at SK hynix saying his 'life has changed.' Watching the broadcast, Lee Mi-joo said, 'I don't envy others, but with an annual performance bonus in the tens of millions of won, my life would truly change.'

■ Age 21 earning 70-80 million won at KAI, then moving to SK hynix

The program spotlighted, one by one, examples of vocational high school graduates who succeeded based on practical skills and expertise.

A 21-year-old who graduated from a meister high school, built his career at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), and then moved to SK hynix, said he chose his path after witnessing the employment difficulties of university graduates while in middle school. He said he earned an annual salary of 70-80 million won at KAI, and that his high school experience greatly helped his job change. Lee Sang-yeop evaluated, 'Choosing that school was a masterstroke.'

■ A 27-year-old Toss developer acknowledged even by an 'S University' colleague

Another meister high school graduate, a 27-year-old developer at Toss, said he decided to enroll after watching the SBS drama 'The Ghost' and dreaming of becoming a hacker. He said the technical skills and project experience he built at school played a major role in landing his desired job. A colleague from 'S University' who works with him said, 'I felt that the meister high school is an incredible place.' Moon Se-yoon remarked that the developer, who is preparing to buy his own home in Seoul after getting married, 'seems 15 to 20 years ahead of his peers.'

■ Top of the class, 20 certifications — a Hyundai Motor hire who became a 'school legend'

Also introduced was a young man who passed Hyundai Motor's hiring process in his third year of high school and joined the company after completing his military service. Having chosen a meister high school out of an interest in machinery, he ranked first in his entire school for three years and obtained 20 certifications. He also received the Republic of Korea Talent Award and was called a 'legend of the school.' Lee Mi-joo expressed amazement, saying, 'Are only legends appearing on today's show?'

■ University remains an option — 'employment first, college later'

So Seul-ji explained the 'employment first, college later' system, noting that attending a vocational high school does not block the path to university. The program also covered the case of a young farmer who graduated from a specialized high school, ran an apple farm, and entered university at 25. Studying plant medicine based on his field experience, he runs an orchard of over 10,000 pyeong with his parents, generating annual sales of 400-500 million won. Lee Mi-joo shared her thoughts, saying, 'Today's video really makes me reflect on myself.'

■ 'Like Son Heung-min in soccer' — a Samsung Electronics engineer teaching his juniors

A Samsung Electronics engineer who is a WorldSkills Competition gold medalist has been mentoring juniors at his alma mater for over 10 years. One junior described him as 'someone like Son Heung-min in soccer.' Through the 'employment first, college later' system, he earned a degree in English Language and Literature and is also studying Chinese. Moon Se-yoon, noting that the engineer is equipped with foreign language skills and leads production line tours for overseas buyers and VIP visitors, said, 'We're really learning a lot today as well.'

As these examples show, young vocational high school graduates are demonstrating that the standard for success is shifting from academic credentials to skill and expertise. Part 2 of 'Rewriting the Equation of Success - Young KK Are on Their Commute' is scheduled to air on October 25 at 10:55 a.m.