[June 3 Election] Kim Dae-jung's "Frontrunner" Status vs. Unification "Upsets"... Shaking Up the Integrated Education Superintendent Race

Kim Dae-jung Gains Early Lead with Support from Over 10,000 People from All Walks of Life

"Jang Kwanho–Jeong Seonghong" and "Lee Jeongseon–Kim Haeryong–Ko Dugap" Form Unified Tickets

Alliances Challenge the Frontrunner... Kang Sukyoung Maintains Independent Path

As the first-ever Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated Special City Superintendent of Education election approaches in 2026, support for preliminary candidate Kim Dae-jung is spreading explosively, solidifying the so-called “frontrunner” narrative. In response, other candidates are forming alliances and consolidating their tickets, causing significant shifts in the electoral landscape.

According to the local education community on May 4, a total of 10,821 civil society activists representing sectors such as local self-governance, democracy and human rights, and culture and arts in Gwangju and Jeonnam held a press conference at Kim Dae-jung’s campaign office in Gwangju, declaring their wholehearted support for his candidacy.

A total of 10,821 civic society activists representing various fields such as civil society and community autonomy, democracy and human rights, and culture and arts in Gwangju and Jeonnam declared their support for preliminary candidate Kim Dae-jung. Provided by the candidate's office

In their statement, they explained the background of their support: “We will open the future of integrated education in Jeonnam and Gwangju together with the prepared leader, candidate Kim Dae-jung. Education is a core factor that determines the future of the region, but due to the unique nature of the superintendent election, which does not involve party nominations, it has been neglected amid voters’ indifference. This sense of urgency led us to unite and break our silence.”

In particular, the supporters highlighted Kim as ▲ an educator of democracy proven in the field; ▲ a practical leader encompassing both administration and politics; ▲ a visionary architect of integrated education. They highly praised him, stating, “He has already demonstrated his policy execution capabilities as the Chair of Mokpo City Council and the head of education in Jeonnam.” They also pledged to support the establishment of a mutually beneficial integrated education model and the realization of grassroots democracy-based educational administration.

Kim’s campaign has been making rapid strides in rallying support. Starting with 314 retired principals from Gwangju, followed by ESG-related organizations in Gwangju and Jeonnam, 339 professors and researchers from 23 universities, and 2,500 members of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Association of Natural Environment Managers on April 30, a wave of relay declarations from all walks of life has created a powerful synergy in consolidating his support base.

With Kim establishing a commanding lead by drawing massive declarations of support early on, rival candidates—feeling a sense of crisis—have begun to form new alliances in earnest. Other candidate groups have put forward the consolidation card to build a broad support base across Gwangju and Jeonnam and to close the gap with the frontrunner.

After intense discussions within and outside the local community and campaign camps, candidates Jang Kwanho and Jeong Seonghong have dramatically agreed to unify their campaigns. In addition, candidate Lee Jeongseon succeeded in consolidating with candidates Kim Haeryong and Ko Dugap, thereby uniting previously dispersed votes. Meanwhile, candidate Kang Sukyoung is sticking to her independent campaign, focusing on solidifying grassroots support.

A local political insider analyzed, “With alliances and unification among rival candidates being rapidly forged to check Kim Dae-jung’s dominance, these moves are set to become the biggest variable for the remainder of the campaign period. Intense strategic calculations by each camp to claim the symbolism and leadership of Gwangju-Jeonnam educational integration are expected to play out even more fiercely as the general election approaches.”

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