Jang Gwanho Confirmed as Sole Progressive Superintendent Candidate for Jeonnam... Backlash Expected Over 'Partial Primary'

Nomination Committee Confirms Jang Gwanho as Sole Candidate with 88.23% Approval
Kim Haeryong Camp Announces Legal Action... Second Unification Process in Gwangju and Jeonnam Faces Difficulties

The Democratic Progressive Superintendent Jeonnam Residents Nomination Committee (hereinafter referred to as the Nomination Committee) has finalized candidate Jang Gwanho as the sole candidate after a prolonged and contentious process. However, strong opposition has erupted, including announcements of legal action by rival candidates, suggesting that discord within the progressive camp is likely to continue for some time.

According to the Nomination Committee on March 19, the agenda to proceed with the voting process was approved with an overwhelming support rate of 97.2% at the online general meeting of the participating organizations' representatives held earlier. In the subsequent approval vote by nomination committee members, 88.23% of the participating members voted in favor, officially confirming Jang as the unified candidate.

The Democratic Progressive Superintendent Jeonnam Provincial Nomination Committee has finalized candidate Jang Gwanho as the sole nominee. Provided by the Nomination Committee

The Nomination Committee stated that this decision "is not a political choice for a particular individual, but rather reflects the urgent demand to bring about change in education in Jeonnam and Gwangju."

In particular, the committee mentioned the soon-to-be-launched 'Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City', which is set to be established following the recent passage of a special law. The committee emphasized, "In the current state, we cannot handle the new era of education required for the integrated city. Since educational transformation cannot be achieved with divided forces, unification within the Democratic Progressive camp was not a choice, but a necessity," underscoring the justification for pushing forward with a unified candidacy.

Nonetheless, despite the official announcement by the Nomination Committee, backlash over the procedural legitimacy of the primary process is intensifying.

The camp of rival candidate Kim Haeryong, former head of the Yeosu Education Support Office, has strongly objected to the decision to hold an approval vote with only Jang as the subject. Kim has made it clear that he will utilize all legal means, including filing for an injunction to suspend the effect of the decision, and will see the election through to the end.

As a result, while the Nomination Committee has achieved the 'justification' of physical unification, it has failed to secure the 'substance' of a fully united team. The biggest challenge for Jang Gwanho going forward will be whether he can bring together the fragmented votes of the progressive camp in the main election, especially after encountering obstacles such as primary disputes and legal battles.

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