Choi Gyojin Nominated as Minister of Education: "Listening with Humility, Together with the Educational Community"

Choi Gyojin, Superintendent of Sejong City Education Office, nominated as the first Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education in the Lee Jae-myung administration.

Choi Gyojin, Superintendent of Sejong City Education Office, expressed his position on August 13 following his nomination as Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education. He was in the midst of serving his third and final term, which was set to end with the local elections in June next year.

In particular, this marks the first time that a sitting superintendent of a metropolitan or provincial education office has been appointed to a government post, drawing significant attention.

On this day, Choi issued a statement saying, "Being nominated as the candidate for Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education today, I feel a greater sense of responsibility than honor at the prospect of serving in the new administration." He continued, "The classical saying that education is a long-term national undertaking remains valid and must continue to be so. Since it is the duty of education to help nurture the future generations who will lead our country, education must play a responsible role in every stage of a student's growth into a citizen."

Superintendent Choi emphasized, "There are many pressing issues in the education sector, and a variety of opinions from all walks of life. I will do my best to listen with humility and work together with the educational community to gather collective wisdom."

With Superintendent Choi's nomination as Minister of Education, the confirmation hearing process is drawing attention. He stated, "I will prepare diligently, and I hope this will be an opportunity for all citizens to reflect on the current state and future of our education."