Jeon Gyojo Gwangju: "Smart Device Project Entrusted to Non-Expert Companies"

Office of Education:
"Consortium Selected Through Procurement Procedures...
No Issues Found"

The Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU) has raised questions regarding the selection of a contractor for the Gwangju Office of Education's educational smart device distribution project. The Gwangju Office of Education responded by stating, "The contract was carried out according to proper procedures."

On the 9th, the Gwangju branch of the KTU issued a press release, stating, "According to information we obtained through a request for disclosure, we found that in the smart device distribution project, which received a budget of 25.3 billion KRW last year alone, the main contractor was not a company that directly manufactures or sells smart devices, but rather an information and communications company primarily engaged in internet broadcasting and installation."

Gwangju Office of Education building.

The KTU emphasized, "We have serious doubts about the criteria by which this company was selected as the contractor and whether there were any special privileges granted during the contract process," adding, "A thorough investigation and transparent disclosure of information are necessary."

In response, the Gwangju Office of Education explained, "The contract was properly conducted through the Public Procurement Service's electronic procurement system, and the winning contractor is a consortium consisting of five companies, including a computer manufacturer and an A/S company." They further stated, "The project structure includes not only simple distribution but also maintenance and management."

Since 2023, the Gwangju Office of Education has been carrying out the 'Educational Smart Device Distribution Project,' investing a total budget of 111.8 billion KRW over three years to provide all middle and high school students with either a laptop or tablet PC. The Office of Education stated that this project is in preparation for the full-scale introduction of AI-based digital textbooks.