Gyeongnam Education Superintendent Candidate Kim Sang-kwon Denies Allegations of Joining Jeon-gyo-jo and Favoritism Toward Children as "All False"

On the 24th, dismissed teachers from the 1989 democratization movement of Gyeongnam Chamgyoyuk raised allegations of preferential treatment regarding joining the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU) and employment of children against Kim Sang-kwon, candidate for Gyeongnam Superintendent of Education. Photo by Lee Se-ryeong ryeong@

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] The dismissed teachers involved in the 89-year democratic movement for true education in Gyeongnam immediately reacted against the allegations made on the 24th against candidate Kim Sang-gwon for Gyeongnam Superintendent of Education.

The dismissed teachers claimed, "Candidate Kim Sang-gwon created a banner saying 'No to Jeon-gyo-jo Superintendents,' treating Jeon-gyo-jo as if it were some kind of monster and viewing it as subversive."

They explained, "The Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (Jeon-gyo-jo) has been striving to realize humanistic education for the past 30 years and is a legitimate organization that accepts active union members," adding, "About 1,530 teachers nationwide have endured the hardship of dismissal for nearly five years, and if related legislation passes, they will be registered as meritorious persons."

They also stated that they understand Kim was active as a member of the Jeon-gyo-jo Jinju branch during his time as a regular teacher, and although it is unclear whether he submitted a membership application, he consistently paid union dues.

They further said, "Although he claims to be a centrist-conservative unified candidate, his actions during the election process seem to indicate a return to reactionary conservatism rather than true conservatism," and pointed out, "We are people who risked our lives fighting for educational democratization, so do not use Jeon-gyo-jo for election purposes but compete with policies."

They also raised suspicions that Kim’s son was hired as an administrative staff member at a private school in Ham-an, Gyeongnam, in 2019 when Kim was serving as the Director of Education at the Gyeongnam Office of Education.

"Being in a position of educational power, wasn’t there undue influence?" they asked, demanding, "Candidate Kim should remove the misleading banners about Jeon-gyo-jo, apologize for this, and clarify the allegations of 'Dad’s chance'."

Kim Sang-gwon’s campaign headquarters stated, "Candidate Kim has been a member of the Korea Teachers’ Federation from his appointment as a teacher in September 1981 until his retirement, spanning 37 years."

Kim’s side explained, "After completing vice-principal training, from March 2003 to September 2004, while working at a high school in Jinju, he was asked by a junior colleague to help dismissed Jeon-gyo-jo teachers," adding, "At that time, membership fees for social clubs, teacher organizations, and staff sports associations could be deducted in advance from the payroll, and there was also a fee to support dismissed teachers."

They also said, "In the late 1980s, the number of Jeon-gyo-jo members at each school was small, making it difficult to carry out true education activities," and "Education officials such as superintendents and directors working in the camp were members of the Korea Teachers’ Federation but also participated in Jeon-gyo-jo events and paid fees to support their activities."

Regarding the 'Dad’s chance' allegations, they refuted, "Candidate Kim’s son went through the same hiring procedures, including exams and interviews, as other staff members," and "There was no solicitation related to the public recruitment of administrative staff, nor was there any abuse of position."