Jeong Seonghong Declares Candidacy for Gwangju Superintendent of Education: "Gwangju Education Must Move Forward"

Jeong Seonghong, former head of the Gwangju branch of the National Teachers' Union

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Jo Hyung-joo] Jeong Seong-hong, former head of the Gwangju branch of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union, officially announced his candidacy for the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education Superintendent election on the 15th.

Jeong held a press conference at the briefing room of the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education that morning and stated, "There is no value more precious than the lives of children," adding, "Gwangju education must restart on the virtuous cycle ecosystem of public education so that children can live sustainable lives in the future."

Regarding the past 12 years of Gwangju education, Jeong praised "the eradication of bribery, the establishment of a clean school culture, the establishment of a free education system, and the realization of universal educational welfare," but also pointed out, "There is a lack of communication between schools and local communities, and conflicts among school members over various tasks are regrettable."

He continued, "Through a sober evaluation of the current Gwangju education, we need wisdom more than ever to continue what should be inherited and to fill in what is lacking," emphasizing, "We must move beyond the dichotomous thinking of progressivism and conservatism, focus on the essence of education, and advance toward a new Gwangju education."

Jeong stated, "The superintendent election is an election to select experts in kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high schools, and the solution to educational problems can be found not in educational theory or academic research but in the school field," adding, "Jeong Seong-hong, a field teacher who has spent 36 years with children at schools, is the right candidate for Gwangju education superintendent."

He said, "Children's lives must be at the center of Gwangju education, and I will be a superintendent who supports students, parents, and teachers suffering from educational polarization and COVID-19," presenting the slogan "Education for Life, a Superintendent Who Empowers Us."

Furthermore, he expressed his aspiration, saying, "I want to realize 'Education for Life' to nurture our children's dreams and future in schools and villages through the participation and practice of students, parents, and teachers, as well as cooperation with local communities."

Jeong promised seven core pledges to realize "Education for Life": ▲Care education that leaves no one behind ▲Future education for students' lives ▲Responsible education for career paths, college entrance, and jobs ▲Establishment of a dense 'school safety net' ▲Resolution of educational polarization ▲Creation of an 'educational ecosystem' where schools and villages work together ▲Resolution of conflicts and integration within the educational community.

He appealed for strong support, saying, "I have walked the path of change and innovation without settling for the status quo from the school field," and "Jeong Seong-hong, who has stood firm and principled, enduring dismissal against the unjust Park Geun-hye government to protect our education, will set Gwangju education right."

Meanwhile, Jeong served as a secondary school teacher for 36 years and held positions such as head of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union Gwangju branch, co-representative of the Gwangju Education Hope Network, co-representative of the Gwangju Citizens' Movement Headquarters for the Resignation of Park Geun-hye, and chairman of the 518 People's Uprising Commemoration Event Committee.

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