Former Superintendent Jang: "Lee Jae-myung Gyeonggi Governor for Presidency"... Candidates Mentioned Include Kim Dae-jung, Lee Ho-gyun, Jo Chang-ik
[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] Former Superintendent of Education Jang Man-chae has expressed his intention not to run in next year's superintendent election in order to support Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung's presidential bid.
On the 12th, former Superintendent Jang Man-chae stated in a phone interview with Asia Economy, "I will boldly give up running for superintendent to help recreate a democratic government and do my best for Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung's presidential campaign."
Former Superintendent Jang said, "I have been deeply considering this. It is true that many around me strongly urged me to run for superintendent. However, I concluded that helping Governor Lee Jae-myung's presidential campaign is more urgent."
He added, "Although I will boldly give up running for superintendent for the sake of the presidency, if a candidate who can properly establish Jeonnam education emerges, I will actively cooperate at any time."
Former Superintendent Jang Man-chae held an emergency meeting with key supporters from the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions around 6 p.m. the previous day to closely discuss next year's presidential election and the Jeonnam superintendent election.
It is known that they concluded that Governor Lee Jae-myung's presidential bid takes priority over Jang's superintendent candidacy.
A close aide who attended the meeting said, "Those who attended the emergency meeting agreed that while the superintendent election is important, the presidential election is the most important."
Following Jang Man-chae's announcement of his withdrawal from the race, education figures are showing their willingness to challenge for the superintendent position.
First is Kim Dae-jung, who served as former Superintendent Jang's chief secretary.
Former Chief Secretary Kim Dae-jung expressed his intention to run, saying, "If former Superintendent Jang Man-chae does not run, someone must work for Jeonnam education. In the past, my goals in running for city council chairman and National Assembly member were also for education, and that will not change now."
Another potential candidate, former Jeonnam Provincial Council Chairman Lee Ho-gyun, said, "The superintendent position is not for some groups but for all Jeonnam residents. Looking at the current direction of Jeonnam education, it is very regrettable. I will decide whether to run after observing the situation."
On the other hand, Park Sung-hyun, president of Mokpo Maritime University, said, "I was encouraged to run for superintendent last July. After hearing various opinions and much consideration, I concluded that 'the time is not right yet.' I will challenge if given the opportunity after further developing my capabilities."
He added, "As a national university president, it is difficult to express a clear opinion, but I want to help the presidential election rather than run for superintendent," indicating no intention to run.
In addition, Cho Chang-ik, former chairman of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (JeonGyoJo), is also mentioned as a candidate for Jeonnam superintendent, suggesting a fierce contest ahead.
Meanwhile, former Superintendent Jang Man-chae served as president of Suncheon National University and was the elected superintendent of Jeonnam Province during the first and second terms. He ran for Jeollanam-do governor in the 2018 local elections. Later, while preparing to run for the National Assembly in the 21st general election, he withdrew mid-way to support current National Assembly member So Byung-chul.
Former Superintendent Jang currently serves as the co-chairman of the Basic Income National Movement Jeonnam Headquarters, a supporter forum aligned with Governor Lee Jae-myung, and leads three other support forums.
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