Kim Seungo Withdraws from Gyeongnam Superintendent Race ... Announces Support for Kwon Soonki

Kim Seungo, who ran as the conservative and centrist candidate for Gyeongnam Superintendent of Education, announced his withdrawal and his support for preliminary candidate Kwon Soonki on the first day of official candidate registration, May 14.

On May 14, at a press conference held in the briefing room of the Gyeongnam Office of Education, Kim stated, "After much deliberation, I have decided to withdraw from the preliminary candidacy for this superintendent election to promote unity and victory in the conservative camp, and to support preliminary candidate Kwon Soonki through a policy alliance."

Kim Seungoh, preliminary candidate for Gyeongnam Superintendent of Education (right), is taking a commemorative photo holding hands with candidate Kwon after declaring his withdrawal and support for Kwon.
Photo by SeRyoung Lee

He explained the background of his resignation, saying, "I entered the race in response to the voices of the people of Gyeongnam who long for new change and normalization in our region's education, but the reality I faced was disheartening. Although I made efforts to find common ground with other candidates during the unification process, I found myself feeling a considerable distance and doubt from my original intentions, which led to a period of deep contemplation."

He continued, "This decision was by no means an easy one. It is a major, selfless decision based on my belief that the greater good of Gyeongnam education should take precedence over my personal path, and a sense of responsibility that sometimes, by stepping aside, one can pave the way for something new."

He also said, "I have judged that candidate Kwon has experience both in the field of education and in university administration, and possesses the capability and leadership to take responsibility for the advancement and future of Gyeongnam education. I deeply resonate with candidate Kwon's vision to set right the current imbalance in Gyeongnam education, foster future talent, strengthen the competitiveness of public education, and build an education system that grows together with the local community."

Kim Seungo, a preliminary candidate for Superintendent of Education in Gyeongnam Province, is holding a press conference announcing his withdrawal from the candidacy and support for candidate Kwon Sungki.
Photo by Lee Seryeong

Kim added, "For the future of Gyeongnam education, it is time to end the setbacks and trials of the past 12 years and return to educational stability and innovation at the school level, with an emphasis on common sense and practicality. The power of solidarity and integration is needed to create a correct direction together."

He further stated, "Now, the conservative education community must move toward integration rather than division. It is time to unite based on our shared concern for Gyeongnam education, overcoming our differences."

He also said, "Although my journey as a candidate ends today, the values I dreamed of for Gyeongnam education will never cease. I sincerely hope that Gyeongnam education will return to its educational essence instead of political logic, that every child's potential will be respected, that classrooms will be filled with warm hope, and that education will enable growth together beyond barriers of region, class, and ideology. I earnestly wish that these new values will become the guiding light for the next generation of Gyeongnam education."

Kwon Soonki, who was present at the press conference, said, "I am grateful for candidate Kim's decision. As an expert in elementary and international education, I will seek much advice from candidate Kim. I will definitely achieve a Gyeongnam that draws people for its education and is an easy place to raise children."

With Kim Seungo's withdrawal following that of Kim Sangkwon the previous day, the Gyeongnam Superintendent of Education election has been realigned into a four-way race: Kwon Soonki representing the conservative and centrist camp; Song Youngki and Kim Joonsik from the progressive camp; and independent candidate Oh Intae.

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