\"Although there have been a great many studies on moral development theories over the past 50 years, our comprehensive understanding of moral functioning from the moral psychological point of view is still incomplete. Moral psychologists are now looking for a new paradigm toward a more comprehensive and integrated moral functioning model. This study investigated the competency-based approach as an integrated perspective to moral development, based on the considerable similarities between competence and morality. Moral competence embodies significant forms of moral excellences and extraordinary moral performances shown by moral exemplars. Moral competence is characterized as follows: First, it is an ability to practice moral behavior continuously and consistently. Second, it is based on the clear realization of right and good behavior as a result of the interaction between moral behavior-constituting elements. Third, it is a comprehensive concept of individuals’ inner characteristics, such as moral sentiments, knowledge, attitudes, dispositions etc. Fourth, it not only includes the individuals’ personal competences, but also the competences of the groups and cultures that the individuals belong to. This study concluded that prospective moral competence modeling requires a moral exemplar standard which reflects the sentiments and different dimensions of moral performance amongst Koreans. Key words : morality, moral competence, moral exemplar, moral psychology, competency-based approach\"