Gwangju Stabbing Tragedy on Children's Day... Jeonnam-Gwangju Superintendent Candidates Issue Consecutive Condolences

Kim Daejung, Lee Jeongseon, and Jang Kwanho Issue Simultaneous Messages of Mourning
Condolences Extended to Deceased Female Student and Injured Male Student Who Tried to Help
Responsibility for 'Safe Educational Environment' Emerges as Key Election Issue

Following the fatal stabbing of a female high school junior in downtown Gwangju at dawn on Children's Day, preliminary candidates for Superintendent of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City Education Office, running in the June 3 local elections, have consecutively issued condolence statements and joined in the mourning.

According to the education community on May 5, the incident occurred at around 12:11 a.m. on a sidewalk near Nambu University in Wolgye-dong, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju. A 17-year-old female high school student, referred to as A, was stabbed by an unidentified man and was transported to the hospital, where she ultimately passed away. A male student, B, who is the same age as A and rushed to help after hearing her screams, was also injured by the weapon and is currently receiving treatment. The Gwangsan Police Station in Gwangju arrested a 24-year-old man, identified as A, on charges including murder at 11:25 a.m. on the same day, approximately 11 hours after the incident, and is currently investigating him.

Following the stabbing incident in downtown Gwangju on Children's Day that resulted in the death of a female high school sophomore, preliminary candidates for the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City Superintendent of Education, who are running in the June 3 local elections, have consecutively issued condolence statements and joined in mourning. Provided by the candidate's side

Once news of the incident broke, the preliminary candidates for Superintendent simultaneously issued statements of mourning in the afternoon.

Kim Daejung, a preliminary candidate, stated, "I deeply mourn the young student who left us too soon due to this tragic accident," and added, "I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family, the students, and the entire school community." He further said, "I will long remember the courage of the student who ran to help in such a desperate moment," and added, "I hope for a swift recovery for both the body and spirit that were wounded and shocked."

Lee Jeongseon, the unified candidate representing three candidates (Go Dugap, Kim Haeryong) in the final election, expressed, "I offer my deepest condolences to the deceased and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family in their profound grief. I earnestly wish for the speedy recovery of the injured student."

Jang Kwanho, another preliminary candidate, released a statement of condolence accompanied by a black ribbon, saying, "At seventeen, a life that had hardly begun was tragically cut short. As adults, we must feel a heavy sense of responsibility when such a tragedy occurs in the daily lives where children should feel safe. I will not stop at mere condolences." He pledged, "As a preliminary candidate for Superintendent, I will take full responsibility to protect the safe lives and education of our children."

Given that the victimized female student was a high school student residing in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, there are concerns that this incident could lead to heated debates over the responsibility for the youth safety net and protection systems outside of school during the Superintendent election.

A source from the education community commented, "Since such a random stabbing targeting an unfamiliar student occurred in Gwangju, the level of shock is significant," adding, "Student safety and protection policies for commutes to and from school are likely to become a central issue in the Integrated Superintendent election."

Meanwhile, the Integrated Superintendent election is expected to become a three- to four-way race between Kim Daejung, the incumbent Jeonnam Superintendent; Lee Jeongseon, a former Gwangju Superintendent (unified candidate representing three people); and Jang Kwanho, the unified candidate from the democratic and progressive bloc.

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