Democratic-Progressive Superintendent Candidate Unification ... Jang Kwanho and Jung Sunghong Agree on 'Opinion Poll' Method

Jang Kwan-ho: "Proposes 100% Public Opinion Poll"
Jung Sunghong: "Welcomes and Urges Swift Unification"

With the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City superintendent of education election approaching, the process of unifying candidates from the progressive and democratic camps is expected to gain significant momentum through a "100% public opinion poll" method.

On April 14, Jang Kwan-ho, a preliminary candidate for Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City superintendent of education, held a press conference at the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education briefing room and made a sudden announcement, stating, "I propose a complete unification of progressive and democratic candidates through a 100% public opinion poll."

Jang Ganho (left), Jung Sunghong (right)

He went on to say that while he respects the nomination process and the value of participation upheld by the Citizens' Nomination Committee, "The superintendent election is structurally unlikely to attract much interest, and with political schedules overlapping, there is not much time left. The more we delay, the fewer opportunities we have to inform citizens of the need for educational reform." He explained that, rather than debating which method is better for an extended period, "it is more important to quickly unite and stand before the citizens," thus clarifying the background for accepting the public opinion poll approach.

On the same day, the camp of Jung Sunghong, the unified progressive and democratic candidate for Gwangju superintendent of education, issued a statement immediately welcoming the proposal. Jung responded, "Although it may feel somewhat belated, I welcome today's acceptance of the 100% public opinion poll for the unification of the Jeonnam-Gwangju progressive camp's superintendent of education candidates, which I proposed to Jang Kwan-ho, the recommended candidate, on March 30."

He added, "This decision will become an important turning point for the future of integrated education in Jeonnam and Gwangju," and emphasized, "Since timing and speed are crucial for unification, it must be implemented swiftly without delay."

He also strongly urged the Citizens' Nomination Committee to proceed with the unification process rapidly, based on fair and transparent procedures. Jung further stated, "We will fully accomplish unification according to the citizens' will and take full responsibility in achieving a major transformation in Jeonnam-Gwangju education."

With both sides reaching a dramatic agreement on the method, local attention is now focused on the practical procedures for selecting a unified candidate going forward.

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