[Manbo Jeongdam] Jung Geunsik: "Toward Seoul Education That Can Nurture the Next Han Kang"

Interview with Jung Geunsik, Superintendent of Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education
Pursuing Historical Truth as a Life’s Mission
Transforming Innovative Education into the Cultivation of Wisdom

"Back in May 1990, during the 10th anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, I remember working together to compile an anthology of testimonies from about 500 citizens."

For Jung Geunsik, Superintendent of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, Han Kang's Nobel Prize in Literature holds special significance because it relates to the idea of 'shared memory.' Although he has never asked Han Kang directly, he feels certain-almost convinced-that she must have read the anthology of May 18 testimonies. The historical accounts gathered by professors, scholars, and field researchers are vividly woven into her novel.

Han Kang's acclaimed novel "Human Acts" centers on the memories of Gwangju in May 1980. The book captures the deeper scars of agony and suffering that were not fully depicted in popular films, dramas, or other publications. The vivid testimonies of Gwangju citizens are embedded within "Human Acts," delivering their stories not only to Korean readers but also to audiences around the world. For Jung, a former professor of sociology at Seoul National University and a scholar deeply engaged with the nature of history and war, the news of Han Kang's Nobel win is an emotion that cannot be summed up in a single word like "moving."

Jung Geunsik, the newly appointed Superintendent of Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, is walking near Gyeonghuigung Palace close to the education office while being interviewed by Asia Economy. Photo by Jo Yongjun

Jung previously served as the chairperson (minister-level) of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which was established to reveal the truth about state violence. The pursuit of historical truth has been both his goal and the reason for his life's work. Han Kang's Nobel Prize is a moment when the sharing of truth-transcending eras and borders, something he has long yearned for-has become a reality.

"I feel truly happy. It almost feels as if I myself have received the Nobel Prize in Literature."

During an interview with Asia Economy on November 7, Jung Geunsik candidly shared these heartfelt memories. He specifically mentioned Park Chanho in baseball and Park Seri in golf, who brought comfort to Koreans during the difficult IMF bailout era in the 1990s, and said, "Han Kang has enabled Korean literary achievements to be recognized worldwide during an extremely challenging time." He also highlighted the possibility of a "Han Kang generation"-those who grow up reading her works-emerging.

He emphasized the importance of reflecting on the meaning of pausing in life. Even amid the pressures of college entrance exams, he stressed that education should focus on the balance of stillness, meditation, physical activity, and mental activity. He suggested that for the happiness of our children, society, educators, students, and parents must all work together to find a path forward.

Jung Geunsik, the newly appointed Superintendent of Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, is walking near Gyeonghuigung Palace close to Jongno District Office of Education. Photo by Jo Yongjun

"Teaching students how to think is truly an unforgettable educational experience."

The kind of "living education" that Jung Geunsik envisions is built on this foundation. It is a process that goes beyond knowledge to cultivate wisdom. He proposes that instead of interpreting his vision for Seoul's education solely through the lens of "innovative education," we should expand our framework of thinking together.

Will Han Kang's achievement serve as a catalyst for change in line with Jung's broader vision? "The Nobel Prize feels much closer to us than we might have thought. I now have hope that another writer like Han Kang could emerge from within Seoul's education system..."

Jung Geunsik, the newly appointed Superintendent of Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, is being interviewed by Asia Economy at the Jongno-gu Office of Education. Photo by Jo Yongjun

Jung Geunsik shared a message of hope and recalled memories of meeting with students.

"I visited elementary and middle school events, and students approached me freely, asking to take photos together. I hope that their brightness and happiness will not fade even as they move on to high school, experience college entrance exams, and become university students."

He emphasized that this hope can only become reality if cultural sensitivity and mental well-being are also nurtured. The educational field is a complex place where the interests and needs of many are intertwined. The leader of Seoul's education system must sometimes act as a mediator of conflicts, and at other times as a visionary of the era. To truly reaffirm the value of pausing and reflecting, many aspects of our education must change.

Jung Geunsik reflected on the path he wishes to walk with students as he strolled by Gyeonghuigung Palace, adjacent to the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education. What path should the Superintendent of Seoul take to revive the dreams and hopes of our youth, who often lose their way in the swamp of competition before they can even blossom? The journey has already begun to help our children realize that results are not everything, not only in exams but also in life.

The following is the full transcript of the interview with Jung Geunsik, Superintendent of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education.

-How much progress has been made on the "Learning Diagnosis and Healing Center" policy, your first approved initiative?

▲Providing one-on-one support requires a significant budget, so we are considering whether we can offer enough support to meet demand. I was surprised that more than twice as many students participated in the "2024 Seoul Student Literacy and Numeracy Diagnostic Test" compared to last year. This confirmed that there is a strong demand for self-reflection and for students to identify and develop their strengths and weaknesses. At the same time, we need to consider how to support students who are lacking in basic academic skills, while also designing policies for high-achieving students. We plan to set up a dedicated task force (TF) team for the Seoul Learning Diagnosis and Healing Center to prepare for project implementation.

-You emphasized the importance of history education during your candidacy.

▲It is important to consider how students remember historical events they have experienced and how these events have impacted their lives. In other words, history and memory go hand in hand. That is why I am considering how to provide teachers and students with more historical resources. However, the budget allocated for this purpose this year is only about 200 million won, which makes it challenging.

Jung Geunsik, the newly appointed Superintendent of Education for Seoul, is being interviewed by Asia Economy at the Jongno District Office of Education. Photo by Jo Yongjun

-The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education seems to be facing a budget shortfall.

▲A few years ago, the budget was around 13 trillion won, but it dropped to the 12 trillion won range, then to 11 trillion won last year, and this year it has decreased to 10.8 trillion won. While the decline in the number of students is cited as the reason, I am concerned that investment in nurturing talent may be regressing. There are ongoing issues regarding the tobacco consumption tax, local education tax, and the expiration of the central government’s support for free high school education. Therefore, we have taken a conservative approach in budgeting. As a result, apart from essential projects, the budget for improving aging facilities has been significantly reduced, which worries me in case any accidents occur.

-How do you plan to further develop "innovative education"?

▲When I talk to people, most are satisfied with innovative education, but when asked directly, only about 50% express support. Perhaps we have not sufficiently communicated the outcomes of innovative education to the public, or perhaps the term itself has caused fatigue after being used for a decade. I want to introduce a new concept of education that fundamentally changes the framework and feels more familiar and approachable to citizens. People with knowledge and people with wisdom are different. Creative education is about fostering wisdom. We need education that combines knowledge and wisdom, not just the delivery of information.

-What are your thoughts on the Ministry of Education's AI textbook policy?

▲They say the AI textbook review process will be completed by November 29, but this is causing anxiety for developers, schools, teachers, and students alike. There are only three months-December, January, and February-before the new school year starts in March. I am concerned whether preparations can be made in such a short time. Another issue is that students may become even more dependent on digital devices. In a climate where "digital pauses" are being emphasized, we need to carefully consider the introduction of AI textbooks. The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education is inevitably grappling with how to strike a balance between these opposing trends. We cannot fully oppose the government’s policy, nor should we unnecessarily stoke anxiety. It is a difficult situation.

-November 14 is the day of the College Scholastic Ability Test. Do you have any words of encouragement for students?

▲I sent a message of encouragement and support to students taking the CSAT (via our YouTube channel). I know how hard you have worked to prepare for the exam.

Jung Geunsik, the newly appointed Superintendent of Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, is walking near Gyeonghuigung Palace close to the Jongno-gu Office of Education. Photo by Jo Yongjun

Meanwhile, in a YouTube message released on November 12, Jung Geunsik said, "The journey you have taken to get here has never been easy, but you have worked harder than anyone else. I hope you will trust yourself, who has never given up and has kept trying, and keep going until the end. I will support you so that your efforts and passion can shine. I also sincerely thank your parents and teachers who have steadfastly supported you throughout this journey."

Interview conducted by: Ryu Jungmin, Social Affairs Editor

Compiled by: Park Juni, Reporter