[6.3 Election] Jang Kwanho, with Democratic Progressive Candidates, Vows to "End Entrance Exam Competition and Academic Hierarchy"

Announcement of the Five Joint Educational Transformation Pledges at Gwanghwamun
Abolishing Relative Grading, Revitalizing Regional Universities
"We Will Block Privileged Schools in the Integrated Special City"

Jang Kwanho, a preliminary candidate for the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City, has joined hands with progressive superintendent candidates from across the country to take collective action toward normalizing public education and advancing future-oriented education. Building on his legitimacy as the unified Democratic Progressive candidate, he has expressed his ambition to resolve entrance exam competition and promote balanced development of regional universities.

Jang attended the “2026 Superintendent Election Democratic Progressive Education Superintendent Candidates’ Joint Educational Transformation Pledge Press Conference” held at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on the 12th.

On this day, Jang and candidates from around the country announced five major initiatives: normalization of public education by resolving entrance exam-driven education; dismantling the university hierarchy system and promoting balanced development of regional universities; eliminating high school stratification and strengthening the substance of equalized education; reinforcing democratic education and guaranteeing the rights of educational stakeholders; and achieving sustainable education to prepare for the future.

Jang, in particular, demonstrated a strong commitment to reforming the current entrance exam-centered system and addressing the crisis of regional decline. He pointed out, “The current cutthroat entrance exam competition is driving students into suffering and further deepening educational inequality,” and emphasized, “By the early 2030s, we must abolish relative grading and shift to an absolute grading system, focusing on the growth of each individual student.”

Regarding the issue of regional extinction, he stated, “The university hierarchy and academic background structure are threatening the very existence of local communities,” and stressed, “We must achieve balanced development by expanding joint degree programs and providing substantial financial support for regional universities.” This underscores that educational reform is at the forefront of safeguarding the future of local communities.

He also clarified the educational direction for the soon-to-be-established Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City. Jang declared, “We will categorically block any attempt to create a new system of privileged schools under the guise of integration,” and added, “We will establish a horizontal and equitable education system for all students and strengthen the foundation for collaborative governance.”