Gwangju Superintendent Election: Progressive Candidates Move Toward Unification

Kim Yongtae, Oh Kyungmi, and Jung Sunghong Hold First Meeting
Title Dispute Remains Unresolved... To Be Discussed by Steering Committee

As the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education superintendent election scheduled for June 3 next year approaches, progressive-leaning preliminary candidates have begun discussions on unifying their candidacies. There is growing interest in whether a one-on-one contest with incumbent Superintendent Lee Jungseon will materialize.

A commemorative photo taken after a preliminary candidate meeting for the superintendent election held in downtown Gwangju on the 17th. From the left, Kim Yongtae, former head of the Gwangju branch of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union; Oh Kyungmi, former director of the Education Bureau at the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education; Jeong Sunghong, former head of the Gwangju branch of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union. Photo by reader

Kim Yongtae, former head of the Gwangju branch of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union; Oh Kyungmi, former director of the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education; and Jung Sunghong, former head of the Gwangju branch of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union, held their first meeting in downtown Gwangju on the evening of the 17th.

This meeting was reportedly arranged by Jung Sunghong. During their approximately two-hour discussion, the three candidates agreed that the standing of the Gwangju educational community has declined due to Superintendent Lee Jungseon's legal risks, and they shared the view that unification is necessary. However, they decided to form a separate steering committee to determine the method, timing, and procedures for unification.

The controversy over Kim Yongtae's use of the title "Head of the Gwangju Citizens' School of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation" was also raised during the meeting. When Jung Sunghong brought up the issue, Kim Yongtae referred to the precedent of Choi Gyojin, the current Minister of Education, who used a title from the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation when running for superintendent in Sejong City. However, it was reported that the candidates failed to reach a consensus on this matter.

To facilitate smooth communication, the three candidates agreed to create a group chat and jointly respond to election and educational issues.