"From Community to Constitution... Teaching at Children's Eye Level"
Candid Reflections on Childhood Experiences... Eliciting Deep Empathy
Chung Cheongrae, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party who has officially announced his candidacy for the next party leader, visited an educational site in Muan.
On June 20, at the Namak Complex Community Center Grand Auditorium in Muan County, Jeonnam Province, Chung delivered a special lecture at the "2025 Muan Education Development Special Zone Revitalization Forum," where he emphasized the necessity of democratic citizenship education and the direction for regional educational innovation.
Democratic Party lawmaker Chung Cheongrae gave a special lecture at the '2025 Muan Education Development Special Zone Revitalization Forum,' emphasizing the necessity of democratic citizenship education. Photo by the source
The forum was co-hosted by the Jeonnam Provincial Council and the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education. It was organized to explore sustainable development strategies for the Muan Education Development Special Zone and to establish a region-led model for educational innovation.
In his lecture titled "Democratic Citizenship Education for Future Generations," Chung stated, "Democratic citizenship education must begin by instilling a sense of community." He added, "We must communicate to children, in a simple and clear way, that peace is directly tied to the economy and the Constitution is directly connected to life." He particularly stressed the importance of "explaining inter-Korean peace and constitutional education in ways that are accessible to children."
Chung also shared his personal experiences, explaining that despite growing up in a difficult family environment, he was able to live with gratitude thanks to his mother's dedication and the consideration of neighbors. He reflected, "It was the community that raised me." Parents and education officials present at the event deeply empathized with his heartfelt story.
More than 400 people, including Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, Kim Daejung, Superintendent of Jeonnam Education Office, and education officials, attended the "2025 Muan Education Development Zone Revitalization Forum," showing great interest in education. Photo provided by the source
Next, Na Gwangguk, a Jeonnam Provincial Council member (Democratic Party, Muan 2), delivered a keynote presentation on "Operational Strategies for the Muan Education Development Special Zone." In the subsequent thematic presentations, local teachers, parents, and education experts offered practical and realistic policy proposals.
The forum was attended by more than 400 people, including Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, Kim Daejung, Superintendent of the Jeonnam Education Office, as well as parents, faculty, and education officials from the Muan area, demonstrating strong interest in the future of Muan's education.
Na Gwangguk stated, "Muan is the administrative capital and educational center of Jeonnam, and through the Education Development Special Zone, it holds the potential to take another leap forward." He added, "I hope this forum will serve as a new starting point for education."
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