[Reporter’s Notebook] Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education Personnel Appointments, Hidden Struggles Within

Photo by Lee Jun-kyung

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] The Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education carried out general staff personnel appointments effective July 1 amid a chaotic atmosphere due to suspicions of school supplies corruption on the 22nd.

Earlier, on the 28th of last month, the police conducted a search and seizure at the main office's Facilities Division, Finance Division, and the Naju Education Support Office.

As a result, several employees, including the Facilities Division head and Finance Division head who were candidates for promotion to Deputy Director, and a manager who was about to be promoted to Secretary, were passed over for promotion and faced disciplinary personnel actions.

With the search and seizure and five employees becoming subjects of investigation, the personnel landscape changed significantly. It was said to the extent that the National Police Agency influenced this personnel appointment.

Superintendent Jang Seok-woong promised to restore the status of the employees who were disciplined if they were found innocent, but there remain many challenges regarding personnel matters going forward.

The most notable part of this personnel appointment was the selection of Kim Chun-ho, General Affairs Division head at the main office, as Acting Director of the Administration Bureau. He is praised for his strong principles and extensive administrative experience, and especially for his leadership characterized by gentle charisma that guides employees. In particular, he enjoys high trust from Superintendent Jang Seok-woong, making him the top candidate for Acting Director of the Administration Bureau.

Superintendent Jang Seok-woong likely deliberated deeply over the appointment of Kim as Acting Director. Although Secretary Jeon Man-seok was also mentioned as a candidate for Administration Bureau Director, Jeon was the fastest-promoted figure during former Superintendent Jang Man-chae’s tenure, making it burdensome for Superintendent Jang Seok-woong to appoint him as director.

Now, Acting Director Kim faces the task of facilitating smooth communication with provincial assembly members and mediating conflicts when various groups such as labor unions clash with the institution, requiring experience and tact.

Another notable appointment was Cha Gae-ok, General Affairs Division head at the Education Training Institute, who was promoted and assigned as branch director of the Suncheonman Ecological Culture Education Center. Despite being the most promising promotion candidate last year due to outstanding work ability, she missed promotion due to the aftermath of the main office search and seizure, which was regretted by those around her. In this personnel appointment, she was promoted to Secretary, making up for the setback.

The Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education still faces many challenges, including various demands from labor unions and social organizations, and conflicts between health teachers and general staff.

Superintendent Jang Seok-woong asserted that he will discover capable and innovative talents and implement promotion appointments to key positions. We hope that Superintendent Jang’s claim to create innovative Jeonnam education will not remain an abstract idea but will be properly applied on the ground to truly practice education for the children of Jeonnam.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.