[Interview] Jeong Geunsik: "Yoon Government's Historical View Deviates... Will Provide Historical Education Materials"

②Jeong Geun-sik Seoul Superintendent Candidate Interview
"Will Inherit Cho Hee-yeon's Innovative Education"
"Acceptance of Unification Shows Progressive Self-Cleansing Ability"
"Sustainable Education and Cultural Arts Needed"
"Will Establish Historical Education Resource Center"

Editor's NoteOn the 16th of next month, a by-election will be held to elect a new head of Seoul education for the first time in 10 years. In a short preparation period of less than two months, more than ten candidates have thrown their hats into the ring. Both the progressive and conservative camps quickly selected unified candidates through their respective unification committees. Asia Economy met with the representative candidates from both camps who achieved unification to hear about the direction of Seoul education and their key pledges.

"I will create classrooms where students can discuss and ask questions without being excessively focused on entrance exam competition."

On the 30th, Jeong Geun-sik, candidate for Seoul Superintendent of Education, met with Asia Economy at his election camp in Mapo-gu, Seoul, stating, "We will pay closer attention to the basic academic skills of children." This aligns with the 'innovative education' emphasized since the progressive former Seoul Superintendent of Education Cho Hee-yeon’s administration. Jeong said, "We must inherit innovative education while combining it with excellence suited to the new era."

Jeong Geun-sik, candidate for Seoul Superintendent of Education, is giving an interview to Asia Economy on the 30th at his election campaign office located in Mapo-gu, Seoul.
[Photo by Jeong Geun-sik Camp]

Candidate Jeong is an educator who has devoted his life to studying sociology and human rights. He contributed to the creation of the Gwangju Human Rights Charter as chairman of the Gwangju Human Rights Charter Establishment Committee and also served as chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He emphasizes the need for proper history education in Seoul’s education system as well.

-What was the direct trigger for your candidacy?

▲Seeing the dismissal of former Superintendent Cho, I began to contemplate what to do when good intentions to share the pains of the era are trapped in the cold shackles of the law. In such a situation, I felt a kind of social calling for myself. Also, the current government’s view of history has deviated too far beyond conservatism, even to the extent of saying "the important thing is Japan’s feelings." I thought this must never continue, so I decided to run.

-The progressive camp had many ups and downs in selecting a unified candidate.

▲I think the more dynamic the consensus process is, the more the public will take interest. Especially, the candidates who lost in the primary showed clean acceptance, demonstrating the progressive camp’s ability for self-purification. I am fortunate that all the candidates who competed together have agreed to join me. I plan to learn from and integrate each candidate’s strengths and pledges as we move forward together.

-You emphasize history education as an educator.

▲I plan to create a 'History Education Resource Center' that can practically help the education field. The education office should support teaching how proud our history is and how much suffering and hardship our people have endured. I also think we need to create a website where teachers and students can access these materials.

Jeong Geun-sik, candidate for Seoul Superintendent of Education, is giving an interview to Asia Economy at his election campaign office located in Mapo-gu, Seoul on the 30th.
[Photo by Jeong Geun-sik Camp]

-What policies do you want to implement during your term?

▲Sustainable education programs are necessary. It is important for our society to widely share the sustainable goals proposed by the United Nations (UN) and instill in students a basic understanding of what a sustainable society is. Education that enhances cultural and artistic sensitivity should also be implemented, as it is closely linked to students’ creative capabilities. Together with Ahn Seung-moon, the standing election committee chairman, we plan to introduce a 'barefoot walking program' and establish pilot schools. Especially through discussions with teachers and parents, we need to firmly establish the future direction of education in our country. During the 1 year and 8 months of my term, I will solidify the foundation for this basic direction.

-You emphasized resolving educational disparities, including pledging free kindergarten education.

▲The conservative educational value has a single standard for evaluating academic achievement. I do not think so. Not all humans can be evaluated by the same standard; they should be assessed by various standards. Education should focus on enabling all students to have creative capabilities rather than competitive education. I will carefully address the issues of students lacking basic academic skills.

-Do you think a Student Human Rights Ordinance is necessary?

▲It has not been definitively proven that the Student Human Rights Ordinance has undermined teachers’ authority. Human rights education talks not only about rights but also about responsibilities. The basic principle of human rights education is always considering the rights of others, not just one’s own rights. In that sense, the Student Human Rights Ordinance should not be abolished. However, it is important that children’s thoughts are respected and that they can participate in decision-making processes. There is no need to remain stuck in debates over whether to support or oppose the ordinance.

-What distinguishes candidate Jeong Geun-sik?

▲Fortunately, many people say I am a 'fresh and clean candidate.' I will become a superintendent who creates an education office where our students’ dreams can flourish.

About Candidate Jeong Geun-sik,

Born in 1957 in Iksan, Jeonbuk, candidate Jeong graduated with a bachelor's, master's, and doctorate in sociology from Seoul National University. Since 2003, he has served as a sociology professor at Chonnam National University and Seoul National University, and has held positions such as president of the Korean Society of Social History, the Korean Society of Critical Sociology, and the Korean Cold War Society. In 2020, he served as chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and as a member of the Committee for the Investigation of Pro-Japanese and Anti-National Acts, engaging in historical issues as well.