This thesis aims to describe, analyze, and examine the free-semester program and its various related challenges. Section II retrospectively describes the introduction and implementation of the free-semester program from an insider’s point of view. The section also examines the program through its introduction, content, expansion, and results. Section III retrospectively analyzes the main points of contention that arose during the implementation process of the program. It explores arguments over whether to emphasize career education or class innovation, whether to continue to implement or abolish written exams, whether to implement the program in middle schools or high schools, and whether the program results in the cliff effect or the liaison effect. Section IV examines the relationship between the free-semester program and Korean language education with respect to the revised Korean Language Curriculum of 2015. It examines how the program’s emphasis on reading and discussion classes was reflected in the revised curriculum. The results of this thesis will provide an insight into the new government’s high school credit policy, which has characteristics similar to the free-semester program.