"Goals Unshaken Despite Change in Superintendent"
Commitment to Supporting Students with Learning Difficulties and Borderline Intelligence
AI Digital Textbooks "Must Be Implemented Cautiously"
Learning Diagnosis and Healing Center Begins Developing Polarization Index
Jeong Geun-sik, the newly appointed Superintendent of Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, promised to establish educational goals and directions that remain steadfast regardless of changes in superintendents or administrations, stating that "Seoul education should become a model case of an 'advanced education country.'"
At the inauguration ceremony held at the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education on the afternoon of the 17th, Superintendent Jeong said, "I believe that the past decade of innovative education was a process of normalizing public education by cleansing the deep-rooted problems of modern education over the past 100 years," adding, "We will continue the achievements of innovative education but boldly overcome its limitations. We will realize Seoul education that is open to the world based on the foundation of normalizing public education." Superintendent Jeong, who received his certificate of election from the Seoul Metropolitan Election Commission at 9 a.m. that day, held the inauguration ceremony from 2 p.m. after paying respects at the National Cemetery.
In his inaugural address, Superintendent Jeong first expressed gratitude, saying, "I will deeply engrave the sincere advice you have given for Seoul education in my heart, strive to establish good policies, and open the future of Seoul education."
He then revealed his commitment to supporting students with learning difficulties and borderline intelligence, which he has consistently emphasized. He stated, "We will overcome educational polarization and realize education that prepares for the future. We will support students with complex problems to ensure basic academic skills for all students," and added, "We will build infrastructure to support students in collaboration with universities, local communities, and specialized institutions."
Regarding the recently controversial issue of 'history education,' Superintendent Jeong explained, "We will ensure history education based on facts to prevent the recurrence of regressive conflicts such as historical distortion and pro-Japanese education."
He also emphasized, "We will protect students from increasingly sophisticated violence such as illegal deepfake composites," and stressed, "We will thoroughly conduct preventive education related to digital sex crimes, school violence, and infringement of teachers' rights." Furthermore, he said, "In cases where incidents occur, we will ensure delicate handling and follow-up management through fair procedures."
Efforts to resolve conflicts between teachers and educational officials were also evident. Superintendent Jeong said, "We will work to resolve conflicts within the educational community and overcome mental health crises," adding, "We will improve organizational culture and, through legal and institutional improvements for conflict resolution, turn conflicts into opportunities for the development of Seoul education."
Regarding concerns about a reduction in the education budget, he stated, "(Education is) an investment for the future," and said, "We will protect local education finances to ensure stable budget securing so that high-quality school education can continue to be realized."
At the subsequent press conference, Superintendent Jeong expressed his aspirations, saying, "I have prepared Jeong Geun-sik-style Seoul education." He said he would solve the problem of educational polarization through 'Hopeful Seoul Education' and provide students with fair and equal opportunities to receive education. He also emphasized that through 'Safe Seoul Education,' he would strive to create an environment where teachers can teach stably and establish measures to protect teachers' rights. Lastly, under the banner of 'Active Seoul Education,' he added that he would visit the field directly to listen to various voices.
Regarding the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education's decision the previous day not to appeal the cancellation of the designation of Whimun High School in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, as a 'Jasago (Autonomous Private High School),' he said, "How to derive policies for schools such as Jasago or special-purpose high schools is a matter that needs to be carefully considered in consultation with education office experts," but also noted the need to preserve schools other than special schools and innovative schools, which progressive superintendents have been interested in, according to their characteristics.
On the issue of abolishing the Student Human Rights Ordinance, which was opposed during the former Superintendent Cho Hee-yeon's administration, he expressed opposition, saying, "There is no basis for the claim that teachers' rights have been undermined by the Student Human Rights Ordinance." He also said, "I will closely consult regarding the Student Human Rights Ordinance and the School Human Rights Act."
Regarding the government's plan to introduce AI (Artificial Intelligence) digital textbooks, he responded, "It would be good to pilot them to see if there is an educational effect, but I have many concerns," and added, "I hope it will be done carefully without being pushed unilaterally."
Superintendent Jeong stated, "After taking over the duties, I will implement the plan to promote the Learning Diagnosis and Healing Center, which is the 'first approval' agenda, as soon as possible," and added, "I will also promptly begin developing the polarization index."
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