[Interview] Superintendent Candidate Kim Daejung: "Integration Is an Opportunity... I Will Achieve the Grand Transition of K-Education and Cultivation of AI Talent"

'K-Education Grand Transition': Public Education’s Responsibility from Birth to Entry into Society

A Life-Design System through Datafication of Educational Activities and AI Analysis

Maintaining Competition, but Providing More Opportunities

Daejung Kim, candidate for Superintendent of Education of the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Metropolitan City, announced his core pledges, stating, "Utilizing the opportunity for expanded educational autonomy created by the integration of Jeonnam and Gwangju, I will drive a major transformation in education through the 'K-Education Grand Transformation' and 'AI Talent Development.'"

Daejung Kim, candidate for Superintendent of Education of the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Metropolitan City (left), is explaining key pledges and policies at Kim Wookwan's Sesangmansa event titled "The Era of Integration, Asking the Way of Jeonnam Gwangju Education," held on the 8th at MSL Studio in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Min Chanki

On May 8, Kim appeared on Kim Wookwan's Sesangmansa, a program on the YouTube channel of The Asia Business Daily Honam Reporting Bureau, titled "The Era of Integration, Asking the Way of Jeonnam Gwangju Education," where he presented his policy direction and vision.

'K-Education Grand Transformation': Public Education Responsible from Birth to Entering Society

Regarding his key pledge, the 'K-Education Grand Transformation,' Kim stated, "We will shift education from a focus on grades to a focus on growth, from competition to opportunity, and from administration to field- and community-oriented education. From the perspective of children, education is about designing one's life. The system must shift so that public education manages and takes responsibility for students throughout their lives, from birth until entering society."

He continued, "We plan to digitize various educational activities from an early age and analyze them using artificial intelligence to continuously support life planning," adding, "While competition will remain in our country,education should provide ample opportunities for all. Thus, we aim to transition to balanced education that nurtures each individual's talents."

Kim also addressed AI talent development, saying, "Last year, we announced the AI Energy Education Valley, and with the integration, its scope has expanded," and "We will foster talents tailored to the cutting-edge industries of artificial intelligence and energy in Jeonnam and Gwangju. As a special law has been established, I am confident that we will see results within a few years."

Regarding the educational environment based on the regional characteristics of Jeonnam and Gwangju, he said, "There is actually little educational disparity between Gwangju and Jeonnam. Integration will bring sufficient budget allocations, and by leveraging and combining the strengths of each region, we can resolve the so-called educational imbalance. We will gather diverse opinions and formalize them through ordinance legislation, enabling a stable integration without abrupt changes."

Direction of the Integrated Office and Education Following the Merger

On the operation of the education office, Daejung Kim said, "There are still no specific decisions regarding the integrated city hall. The direction of the education office will likely be determined depending on how the city hall is operated," adding, "The relocation of public institutions may take place in the second half of the year. I believe this, combined with the relocation of public institutions, will contribute to balanced regional development."

Regarding education in the integrated special city, he explained, "If we envision the three paradigms of the educational transformation, it involves receiving quality education suited to one's aptitude in the region, obtaining good jobs locally, and living in the region—a virtuous cycle. Jeonnam and Gwangju are at the forefront of K-democracy, cuisine, arts, natural environment, and K-culture educational energy in Korea. We expect that, at least in terms of education, the region will surpass the capital area and become a world-class special city for education."

He also remarked, "Education so far has focused on students' learning and their grades as the outcome," and expressed regret, "As a result, the uncomfortable truth in classrooms is that 20 percent of students study while 80 percent either just follow along or give up."

He added, "Now, we aim to focus on growth and create a system that offers opportunities to explore and choose diverse career paths," stating, "In the era of artificial intelligence, we can gather information on student growth and analyze it to help design their lives. We will develop a big data system and educational AI to establish a system that supports and is responsible for students throughout their lives."

Regarding the illegal gambling allegations, he said, "I had never heard of the allegation myself. I have stated my position based on what I recall and have issued an apology," adding, "It is unfortunate that, on the eve of this historic integration, the competition has shifted from policies to negative campaigning."

Meanwhile, Daejung Kim, while serving as a teacher at Mokpo Jeongmyeong Girls' High School, was dismissed due to his involvement with the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union, but was later reinstated as a teacher at Mokpo Jeil Middle School.

He served three consecutive terms as a councilor in the 5th, 6th, and 7th Mokpo City Council, and was the chairman during the first half of the 7th council, holding the record as the youngest chairman. During Superintendent Manchae Jang's tenure, he worked as chief of staff in the education field, and also served as an operating committee member of the Roh Moo Hyun Foundation and as standing committee chair of the Jeonnam Education Grand Transformation Action Coalition.

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