Jeonnam Office of Education Administrative Audit Ends... Criticism of 'Empty and Ineffective' Review

Repetition of Old Habits Without Achievements or Issues... Criticism of Wasting Time
Some Provincial Assembly Members Consistently Ask Absurd Questions Without Substance

The 2024 Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education administrative audit ended without any clear issues or achievements, receiving criticism for being a "hollow and superficial audit."

This administrative audit, conducted from the 1st to the 12th, inspected the main office, the Education Research Information Center, the Student Education and Culture Hall, public libraries, and 12 affiliated institutions, as well as 22 education support offices, covering overall education including future education and EdTech.

The Education Committee of the Jeonnam Provincial Council concluded the 2024 administrative audit of the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education on the 12th. Photo by Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education

However, the audit was widely criticized for wasting valuable time due to superficial questions from the Education Committee and hollow answers from main office officials. In particular, some assembly members drew public outrage by consistently asking absurd questions without even grasping the audit materials.

Assembly member A, who raised questions related to the integration of kindergartens and daycare centers, failed to properly understand the roles of the daycare division and kindergartens, causing frustration among observers. Additionally, assembly member B sparked controversy by abruptly playing a video promoting wooden playground equipment, which is difficult to use in schools, and demanding the project be carried out.

On the last day of the administrative audit, assembly member C suddenly lost temper, shouting unilaterally that "submitted materials were insufficient and members were disrespected," and halted the audit, prompting criticism both inside and outside the education sector with remarks like, "Is stopping audits becoming a trend among provincial assembly members these days?"

Of course, the lack of submitted materials and inadequate answers were problematic, but the general view was that "halting the audit is not a serious issue."

Hollow answers stemming from the lack of experience of the main office’s Policy Director and Education Director also contributed. Their inability to properly respond or their flustered demeanor in answering members’ questions caused observers to frown.

There were also claims that the assembly members’ criticisms showed a lack of understanding of the content and situation of the Glocal Future Education Expo, which was deemed absurd. In particular, harsh criticism was directed at one member’s claim of "forcing high school seniors to attend the expo," which was completely unfounded.

A high school principal in Muan said, "We wanted to attend the expo, but the distance to Yeosu was far, and as a humanities-focused high school, we did not participate. Attendance is decided at the principal’s discretion. The Provincial Office of Education does not interfere in such matters."

This administrative audit left only the evaluation that it pointed out irrelevant issues due to superficial questions from the Education Committee and hollow answers from the Provincial Office of Education, failing to address fundamental problems.

At least Superintendent Kim Dae-jung and Vice Superintendent Hwang Seong-hwan showed sincere and humble attitudes in responding honestly to sensitive inquiries.