Gyeongnam Citizens' Coalition for Better Education Superintendent: "Provincial Nomination Group Applications Surpass Target ... We Will Repay Your Support"

The Gyeongnam Citizens' Coalition for Better Education Superintendent, an organization driving the unification of progressive candidates for the Gyeongnam Superintendent of Education election, has surpassed its initial target for the recruitment of the provincial nomination group ahead of the application deadline.

On March 18, the Gyeongnam Citizens' Coalition held a press conference at the Gyeongnam Provincial Office of Education briefing room, announcing, "As of 11 a.m., we have 38,892 applicants, nearly three times the original target of 15,000."

They stated, "This is the result of a mature civic consciousness that recognizes education, the hope for future generations, must be shaped by the people of the province themselves," adding, "It is estimated that more than 2,000 applicants are youths."

The coalition further emphasized, "We will ensure that the optimal candidate to protect democracy and future generations is elected as Superintendent of Education, in return for the enthusiastic support shown by the people of the province."

Lee Byungha, Co-Representative of the Gyeongnam Citizens' Coalition for Creating Good Education Superintendents, is announcing the interim results of the provincial nominating committee recruitment and the future coalition activity plans. Photo by Lee Seryeong

The provincial nomination group, recruited until 6 p.m. on March 18, aims to gather up to 70,000 members, including youths as key stakeholders in education. Except for youths, a membership fee of 3,000 won per person is required to join the electoral group.

Youth applicants include middle and high school students and out-of-school youths born before 2013 but under the age of 18, and they are exempt from the membership fee.

Once recruitment closes, the coalition will implement the provincial nomination system, reflecting the following proportions to determine the final candidate: 50% from the labor nomination group (composed of members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions), 30% from the citizen nomination group, and 20% from public opinion polls.

Additionally, the funds collected from membership fees will be used for items such as debate broadcast expenses, production of promotional materials including banners, and public opinion survey costs. Any remaining funds after the election will be donated for scholarships or similar purposes, based on the opinions of the participants in the nomination group.

The unification of progressive candidates for the Gyeongnam Superintendent of Education involves Song Younggi, head of the "Forum, People and Education," and Jeon Changhyeon, former Director of Educational Activity Protection at the Gyeongnam Provincial Office of Education.

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