Former Jeonnam Education Superintendent Candidate Kim Dae-jung Announces First Pledge

Jeonnam Education Vision Announcement, Urging Suspension of Small School Consolidation Policy

Kim Dae-jung, a prospective candidate for Jeonnam Superintendent of Education, announced his first pledge at 11 a.m. on the 8th in the press room of the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] Kim Dae-jung, CEO of Jeonnam Education Autonomy Platform, who declared his candidacy for Jeonnam Superintendent of Education, announced his first campaign pledge.

On the 8th at 11 a.m., CEO Kim announced his first pledge at the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education press room, stating, "I will revitalize small schools with future education, prevent regional extinction, and create dynamic Jeonnam education through 'DJ-Cation.'"

On this day, CEO Kim urged, "Jeonnam is currently facing a serious crisis of regional extinction. To prevent regional extinction, the small school consolidation policy promoted by the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education must be stopped."

The 'Saving Small Schools' pledge, which CEO Kim put forward as his first campaign promise, directly opposes the current small school consolidation policy promoted by the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education and is expected to become a heated issue.

CEO Kim pointed out, "Research by the Korea Educational Development Institute revealed that the consolidation of small schools in Jeonnam has an adverse effect that accelerates regional extinction. Gyeongnam, which has similar conditions, is showing a model case of saving small schools through communication and cooperation. However, the Provincial Office of Education is promoting small school consolidation with the absurd claim that small schools are not beautiful."

He continued, "As a method to save small schools and prevent regional extinction, I present 'Saving Small Schools through Digital Transformation and Future Education' as the first pledge. Through digital education to strengthen future human capabilities and the expansion of educational autonomy, we will improve the quality of school education and plan to transform Jeonnam's schools into small-future schools," he emphasized.

At this event, CEO Kim Dae-jung proposed a public debate with civic groups to discuss saving small schools.

CEO Kim reiterated, "Digital future education is in the same context as the 'digital transformation' recently mentioned as the number one pledge by Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party candidate. I will create dynamic Jeonnam education through digital transformation."

Additionally, he stated, "I plan to continue announcing policies and pledges, and will keep presenting the education policy brand 'DJ-Cation,' which embodies the vision of 'creating dynamic Jeonnam education through digital transformation.'"

Kim Dae-jung, who was dismissed due to his activities with the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union while working as a teacher at Mokpo Jeongmyeong Girls' High School, served as a three-term city council member and the youngest chairman of Mokpo City Council, and ran for the 17th National Assembly election. After the direct election system for superintendents was implemented, he served as the secretary general of the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education for the first and second terms of resident direct elections.