"AI Is a Tool, People Are the Focus of Education"...Seokjun Kim Announces First Policy Pledge for Busan Education's Future Transformation

by Jo Chunghyeon

Published 28 Apr.2026 12:12(KST)

On April 28, Seokjun Kim, a preliminary candidate for Superintendent of the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education, held a press conference at his campaign office in Busanjin-gu to announce his first policy pledge, centered on "human-centered future education leading the AI era."

On this day, Candidate Kim laid out detailed policies for the first of his five main directions: ▲Future education for the AI era ▲Personalized academic and emotional education ▲Safe education ▲Character-centered civic education ▲Warm and happy education. By doing so, he officially began his policy campaign.

He declared, "I will make Busan a true AI education city," stressing, "AI is merely a tool to support education, but the essence of education must always be people."

He went on to say, "During my nine-year tenure as superintendent, I have established the foundation for future education by distributing smart devices, introducing prompt engineering, and supplying generative AI 'BeAT.' Now, through a grand transition in future education, I will take Busan education to the next level."

To provide equal AI learning opportunities for all students, Candidate Kim announced the following initiatives: ▲Supplying AI tutors (assistant teachers) to all elementary, middle, and high schools ▲Expanding regional AI and maker education centers ▲Operating AI-focused schools and AI convergence education-centered schools ▲Establishing AI usage guidelines and strengthening digital literacy ▲Hosting AI prompt competitions ▲Bidding to host the "World Robofest 2027," and more.

He especially emphasized, "AI education should not become a privilege limited to certain schools or a handful of students. Regardless of which school they attend or where they live, every child must be able to receive AI learning support at their own pace."

He also presented plans to strengthen humanities and arts education, which are considered core competencies in the AI era. Candidate Kim stated, "The more technology advances, the more important human values become. We must go beyond simply teaching how to use AI and move toward education where students think and coexist with AI."

To this end, he plans to promote ▲Operating reading and debate camps ▲Establishing instrument sharing centers and expanding school orchestras ▲Creating "Deokdo Art Maru" and an opera academy using closed schools as cultural and arts spaces ▲Encouraging one-sport-per-student activities, among other initiatives.

He also proposed plans for innovation in teaching and assessment. He said, "When assessment changes, teaching changes-and when teaching changes, students change." His promises include ▲Establishing an AI Teaching and Learning Support Center ▲Developing an AI-based written and essay assessment support system ▲Spreading the achievements of IB schools, Happy Schools, and AI research schools ▲Operating "Future Schools" that practice future-oriented curricula.

Candidate Kim concluded, "The role of education is to help our children develop the ability to learn independently, grow into democratic citizens who live in harmony, and carve out their own paths in the future society. I will ensure that this vision is thoroughly realized on the ground and achieve a major transformation for the future of Busan education."

Kim Seokjun, the prospective candidate, is announcing his first campaign pledge.