Former Jeonnam Superintendent Kim Dae-jung's Secretary General Officially Announces "Running for Superintendent Next Year"

Founding of Education Autonomy Platform on the 2nd of Next Month, Inauguration Ceremony Scheduled for the 8th

Chief Secretary to Former Jeonnam Superintendent of Education Kim Dae-jung

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] Kim Dae-jung, former secretary to the Jeonnam Superintendent of Education, has officially expressed his intention to run in next year's superintendent election.

On the 16th, Kim, the former secretary, clearly stated his intention to challenge in a phone call with Asia Economy, saying, "I have decided to run for superintendent to realize Jeonnam-style educational autonomy suitable for the development of Jeonnam education and the new era."

Kim said, "We will establish the Jeonnam Education Autonomy Platform on the 2nd of next month and hold an official launch ceremony around September 8th after going through the procedures."

He pointed out, "Among the 17 superintendents of education nationwide, 14 are from progressive backgrounds. Although progressive superintendents have emphasized innovation, unfortunately, based on my experience in the field, innovation has come to a halt."

He continued, "Looking at the current state of Jeonnam education in the field, frontline schools are just hearing innovation as an empty echo," and reiterated, "Regrettably, the innovation of progressive superintendents and the current government's education plans have failed."

Kim, who resigned from the superintendent secretary position in March 2018, submitted his resignation in June to run for superintendent next year while working as a teacher at Mokpo Jeil Middle School.

Kim emphasized that the top priority to revive Jeonnam education is "the restoration of Jeonnam-style educational autonomy."

In particular, he stressed, "The goal of education is to nurture people and create the future," adding, "I hope that a bright future for Korea and education where everyone is the owner will be realized in Jeonnam, and this will start with the Jeonnam Education Autonomy Platform."

He expressed strong determination, saying, "Everyone must unite for Jeonnam education that nurtures people," and "I will create the future of Jeonnam education through communication and cooperation beyond conflict and division."

He said, "The new government and local governments to be formed next year must achieve a major transformation in education," and "Specific details will be announced after the launch ceremony."

Regarding questions about Jang Seok-ung, the current superintendent expected to run together, and Kim Seung-ho, the education director, he was reserved, saying, "It is not the stage to talk about it yet."

Kim Dae-jung, former secretary, was dismissed while working as a teacher at Jeongmyeong Girls' High School in Mokpo after participating as a founding member of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU). He later served as the youngest chairman of the Mokpo City Council, secretary-general of Mokpo YMCA, the first executive director of the Jeonnam Education Hope Solidarity, and also ran twice for the National Assembly.

Kim is known as the person who practically led the election organization during the tenure of former superintendent Jang Man-chae. He is evaluated to have a solid position based on his excellent political sense, making him the strongest competitor to the current superintendent Jang Seok-ung.

Known for his cautious personality, the key point to watch is what election strategy he will employ against Superintendent Jang Seok-ung, who has the advantage of incumbency.

Next year's Jeonnam superintendent election candidates include current Superintendent Jang Seok-ung, former secretary Kim Dae-jung, and former Hampyeong Education Director Kim Seung-ho. Additionally, Kim Dong-hwan, principal of Boseong Deungnyangnam Elementary School, has also expressed his intention to run.

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