Superintendent Kim Daejung Lays the First Stone for 'Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City'... Launches the Education Vision Committee

Special Law on Integration Enacted

New Committee Established to Gather Public Input

Participation from Local Business Leaders, Professors, and Parents

Directly Shaping the Direction of Integrated Education

Kim Daejung, Superintendent of Education of Jeonnam Province, announced on March 5 that he will establish the "Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City Education Vision Committee" (hereinafter referred to as the Education Vision Committee), in which local citizens from both Jeonnam and Gwangju will directly participate, in line with the ongoing integration of the two regions.

This move is seen as a strong commitment to thoroughly reflect the voices from the field, which could otherwise be marginalized amid the rapid administrative integration and the enactment of the special law.

Kim Daejung, Superintendent of Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education

On his Facebook page that day, Superintendent Kim stated, "Jeonnam and Gwangju share a common history and culture, and now we embark on an exhilarating journey toward a new future as the 'Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City.' I hope that local citizens and members of the educational community, who are the true protagonists of educational autonomy, will join us on this bold journey."

In particular, the formation of the Education Vision Committee stems from Superintendent Kim's clear-eyed assessment of reality and self-reflection. He explained, "Since I proposed in January the creation of a broad-based citizens' initiative to discuss the integration of educational administration, the process has rapidly moved forward, culminating in the enactment of the special law. Reflecting on the fact that we have not sufficiently incorporated the opinions of experts and those on the ground, I am determined to fulfill this promise without further delay."

The newly launched Education Vision Committee is expected to go beyond a mere advisory body. Superintendent Kim described it as an "engine of collective intelligence" that will generate substantive agendas.

The committee will include a wide range of participants: academics (university professors), representatives from the regional business community (entrepreneurs), civic organizations, as well as parents, educators, and students—the future leaders.

The provincial office of education plans to organize a variety of forums, seminars, and public hearings centered around the committee. Through these efforts, the goal is to open a space for "direct democracy" where local citizens themselves determine the future of education, rather than leaving decisions to a small group of bureaucrats, and to present a model of exemplary educational integration.

Superintendent Kim emphasized, "Even in the face of the crisis of local extinction, the path for the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated K-Education Special City is to create an environment where our children can receive the best education anywhere in Jeonnam or Gwangju." He also called for strong interest and support from citizens, pledging that education will take the lead in laying the foundation for "a thousand years of Jeonnam-Gwangju education" together with committee members.

There is growing attention from the local community regarding the future blueprint that the Education Vision Committee will present, as it aims to achieve not only the physical integration of Jeonnam and Gwangju, but also emotional unity and innovation within the field of education.

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