The decision was attributed to the extent of control KFSF sought over “the operations and financial budgets of the new school,” which SFBS felt would inhibit their ability to maintain the high-quality international education for which they were known.

They argued that this decision alienated a large number of non-Christian expatriate families and was unnecessary, given the already prevalent Judeo-Christian orientation of existing international schools in Seoul.

At the time, it was reported that Chambers of Commerce from approximately 10 European and Asian countries with vested interests in the school planned to send protest letters to high-ranking officials in the Korean government, objecting to the selection of a Christian organization to operate YISS.

[7] Just three months after the negotiations between SFBS and KFSF had failed, ICS-Seoul relocated to the new campus in Hannam-dong and was renamed Yongsan International School of Seoul (YISS).

As part of the program, students attend weekly chapel services featuring worship through music and Bible-based messages delivered by chaplains or guest speakers.

In 2024, the school reported exceptional academic achievements, with 88% of students enrolled in AP courses earning scores of 3, 4, or 5 on their exams, compared to the worldwide average of 59%.

The new additions include a new gate, trellises, sidewalks, a pedestrian staircase, terraced seating, landscaping, and a large metallic mosaic facade.

YISS competes with international and Department of Defense (DoDDS) schools as a member of the Korean American Interscholastic Activities Conference (KAIAC) in the Blue Division.

GOES and Immersion trips send students to places such as Manila, Baguio, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Yanji, Gunsan, Geoje, Jeju, and Taebaek.

This decision prompted protests from 23 countries, including European nations such as the Netherlands and Norway, as well as India, Canada, and South Africa, citing concerns over transparency and bias in the process.

Allegations of mismanagement, such as hidden board meeting records and exclusive decision-making by KCCI, eroded trust within the international community and damaged Korea’s investment environment.

Critics argued that the irregularities highlight broader issues of inadequate oversight of international schools in Korea, as well as concerns over the misuse of government funding intended to support foreign investors’ children.