Jeonnam Office of Education Addresses Kim Dae-jung Marathon Joint Hosting Controversy: "No Political Intent"

"Students Take Center Stage"
Event Shifts to Experiential Format
Independence of Jeonnam Superintendent of Education Marathon Maintained

The Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education addressed concerns on October 1 regarding the joint hosting of the Kim Dae-jung Marathon and the Jeonnam Superintendent of Education Marathon, stating, "There is absolutely no political intent," and expressed its intention to develop the event into a regional festival with educational significance.

In August, the Provincial Office of Education signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Mokpo City Sports Association and agreed to cooperate with the local community to jointly hold the two marathons on the same day and at the same location. However, as some concerns were raised about the appropriateness of the schedule and the possibility of political interpretation, the office emphasized, "This event is intended to reflect on the inherent meaning of challenge and perseverance in marathons, and to provide students with an educational experience of the values of democracy, human rights, and peace."

Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education Building View

An official from the Provincial Office of Education stated, "Political interpretations stray from the essence of the event," and added, "The marathon is designed as an educational event that jointly inherits the spirit of the Student Independence Movement and the values of democracy, human rights, and peace championed by former President Kim Dae-jung."

The official continued, "In reality, the two marathons not only share their names but are operated entirely separately," explaining, "The Jeonnam Superintendent of Education Marathon will be held in the traditional inter-city and inter-county competition format, and all aspects-including participant eligibility, scoring methods, experience booths, and awards-will be independently managed by the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education. Participation is also entirely voluntary."

Starting this year, the office plans to expand the range of participants from students, students with disabilities, and faculty to include parents; strengthen medical and safety measures; and operate student performances and cultural experience booths, aiming to create a festival in which the entire educational community can participate.

The Kim Dae-jung Foundation also expressed a positive stance regarding the event. Secretary General Bae Ki-seon stated, "As the foundation supporting the event, we agree with and welcome the purpose and direction of the joint hosting," adding, "On the same day, the Kim Dae-jung Peace Marathon will also be held in Seoul, and the fact that events commemorating the same spirit are taking place simultaneously in two regions is highly symbolic."

Meanwhile, some parents and teachers have expressed concerns about the event being scheduled just before final exams and potential safety issues due to the temperature. In response, the Provincial Office of Education stated, "All participants apply voluntarily, and we are thoroughly reviewing the concerns raised," adding, "We will make thorough preparations to ensure that all students and members of the educational community can participate safely and meaningfully."

Superintendent Kim Dae-jung stated, "The spirit of the Student Independence Movement and the values of democracy, human rights, and peace championed by former President Kim Dae-jung are precious values that we must all uphold," adding, "Through the challenge and perseverance inherent in marathons, I hope students will grow up healthy and experience these values firsthand."