Kim Dae-jung, the elected governor of Jeonnam Education, is cheering with supporters the moment he confirmed his victory. Photo by Reader Provided
[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] Candidate Kim Dae-jung for Jeonnam Superintendent of Education was confirmed elected in the counting of the 8th nationwide simultaneous local elections on June 1, creating an upset by defeating the incumbent.
According to the Central Election Commission on the 2nd, as of 2:39 a.m. (counting rate 82.29%), candidate Kim Dae-jung recorded 45.70% of the vote, leading Jang Seok-woong, who had 36.84%, by a margin of 66,437 votes, confirming his election as Jeonnam Superintendent of Education.
Immediately after the confirmation, Kim said, “I am grateful for the support and will surely repay it with a great transformation of Jeonnam education,” adding, “I will resolve educational imbalance and prevent regional extinction through Jeonnam-style educational autonomy, future education, and basic educational income for Jeonnam education.”
Kim emphasized, “Thirty-two years since the revival of local autonomy and twelve years of resident-elected educational autonomy have left a big challenge of regional extinction along with achievements,” and “Decentralization and balance are necessary to resolve this.”
He added, “Jeonnam is the place that produced numerous talents including former President Kim Dae-jung, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Those talents have created a proud history for the nation and humanity.”
Furthermore, he stated, “Jeolla-do is the land where many parents, despite working on farms from dawn, never felt hardship because of the pride in educating their children,” and “Based on the strong will and pride of such residents, I will achieve a great transformation in Jeonnam education.”
He continued, “During the election campaign, I visited every alley to check the current state of Jeonnam education. I was encouraged by people who warmly extended their hands and told me to stay strong,” emphasizing, “Such consideration and interest can bring change to Jeonnam education.”
Kim Dae-jung, the elected Jeonnam Superintendent of Education, happily receiving a congratulatory bouquet. Photo by Kim Dae-jung Election Office
Kim’s key pledges include providing a monthly educational basic income of 200,000 KRW, creating schools focused on studying, introducing regional talent selection, promoting purchases from local businesses, reorganizing specialized high school departments based on regional strategic industries and job foundations, operating a self-directed learning support center linked with AI learning systems, realizing Jeonnam-style online learning J·MOOC, and establishing a learning history management system by school level to strengthen future competencies.
Kim Dae-jung, born in Gokseong, Jeonnam, graduated from the Department of Philosophy at Chonnam National University, then completed a master's degree at Mokpo National University Graduate School of Business Administration and a doctoral course in Korean Language and Literature at Mokpo Graduate School.
While working as a teacher at Mokpo Jeongmyeong Girls' High School, Kim was dismissed due to his activities with the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union. He entered local autonomy, serving three terms as a city council member and as the youngest chairman of Mokpo City Council. He also ran as a candidate for the Uri Party in the 17th National Assembly election and served as secretary general of the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education during the first and second terms of resident-elected superintendents after the introduction of direct election for superintendents.
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