Kim Daejung Officially Announces Candidacy for Superintendent of Education in Integrated Jeonnam-Gwangju on the 15th

Declaration of Four Core Educational Visions to Drive a Five-Million-Strong Megacity

Bold Wage and Tax Incentives for Companies Hiring High School Graduates

Building a Local Settlement Ecosystem through the "Talent Development Expressway"

With the historic launch of the integrated megacity of Jeonnam and Gwangju on the horizon, Kim Daejung, Superintendent of Education for Jeonnam, has officially declared his candidacy for the position of Superintendent of Education for the Integrated Special City of Jeonnam and Gwangju. This move is more than just an administrative merger; it represents a bold commitment to place 'education' at the forefront of regional survival and development.

At a press conference held at 2:00 p.m. on April 15 in the press room of the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education, Kim, as a preliminary candidate, stated, "The integration of Jeonnam and Gwangju is not simply a merger of administrative districts, but the beginning of a 'revolution of light' for regional development." He expressed his ambition, saying, "I will lay the foundation for a five-million-strong megacity by turning the integrated special city into Korea's premier 'Special City for Education,' rivaling Seoul Special City."

Daejung Kim, prospective candidate for Superintendent of Education of Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City

The core of the 'education integration blueprint' presented by Kim that day is thoroughly focused on fostering 'local settlement-oriented talent.' His vision is to break away from the traditional paradigm of pursuing academic credentials by entering universities in the metropolitan area, and instead to establish what he calls a 'talent development expressway' that connects individual life cycles with the industrial demands of the region.

The most notable aspect is the special provision for 'expanding jobs in local strategic industries,' which will be included in the proposed special law for integration. Kim has proposed an unprecedented system that encourages companies and local public enterprises with more than 20 full-time employees in the region to fill at least 20% of their annual new hires with high school graduates.

In particular, to draw active participation from local business owners and companies, he proposed strong administrative and financial incentives such as partial wage support for newly hired high school graduates, local tax reductions, and additional points in public procurement bidding processes. This means that educational policy will go beyond the school walls to have a tangible impact on the local economy and the entire corporate ecosystem.

Kim also pledged to establish the 'AI-Big Data-Based DJ Education Care System' to realize 'student life-cycle responsible education.' This model allows public education to manage individual student competency data from birth to entry into society, thereby providing tailored paths for further education, employment, and entrepreneurship.

Additionally, he has detailed four key visions that encompass both the future and history, including the establishment of the 'K-Democracy Hall of Korea' to carry on the three major spirits of Honam (Righteous Army, Donghak, and 5·18), as well as the creation of a 'Lifelong Education AI Platform for All Ages' centered around education office libraries.

Kim concluded his candidacy declaration by quoting from the Analects, "If those who are near are pleased, those who are far will come" (近者悅 遠者來). He emphasized, "Ensuring that the younger generation does not leave our region is the primary mission of local autonomy," adding, "Having been born in Gokseong, experienced the 5·18 Democratic Movement in Gwangju, and begun my professional life in Mokpo, I, Kim Daejung, will lead the historic challenge of transforming education in Jeonnam and Gwangju, grounded in the spirit of Honam."

Amid the sweeping wave of local administrative restructuring, the political community is closely watching how Kim Daejung's meticulous policy design, aimed at establishing a 'megacity education ecosystem' that encompasses industry and the economy, will impact the upcoming election landscape.

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