"KTU Has Chosen Politics Over Education"
"From 'KTU for Education' to 'Education for the KTU'"
Superintendent Kim Daejung States His Position via Social Media
Kim Daejung, Superintendent of Education in Jeonnam, firmly refuted the allegations regarding his official residence and assets raised by the Jeonnam branch of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU), stating, "I cannot hide my deep disappointment at these personal attacks and political offensives."
On October 16, through his social media account, Superintendent Kim said, "I am fully prepared to be thoroughly scrutinized as an elected official when the KTU criticizes Jeonnam's education policies." However, he criticized, "But for the KTU to intervene ahead of the election for the purpose of supporting a specific candidate is a path that will only harm the KTU itself."
He added, "As a founding member of the KTU and a former dismissed teacher, the KTU should reflect on the criticism that it has shifted from being 'the KTU for education' to 'education for the KTU.' I hope the union will return to its original role and engage in constructive criticism."
On the same day, the Jeonnam branch of the KTU issued a press release raising suspicions about Superintendent Kim's official residence lease and asset disclosure records, claiming that they had filed a complaint with the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency.
In response, Superintendent Kim explained regarding the official residence, "The lease was signed through a normal contract process and rented on a monthly basis. When I later became aware of a potential conflict of interest, I apologized, immediately reported it, and completed the move-out process."
He further clarified, "The remodeling costs and installation of the automatic parking gate were all expenses covered by the landlord and have no connection to the Office of Education. This matter has already been reported, and the facts will be clarified through a police investigation."
Regarding the asset disclosure allegations, he stated, "Public officials transparently disclose any changes in their assets every year. I repaid debts using my salary, my spouse's pension income, and the proceeds from selling my inherited family home. The remodeling costs for the building were also covered by a loan, which increased my liabilities."
Superintendent Kim pointed out, "For years, the KTU did not raise any issues about my publicly disclosed asset reports, but now they are forcibly linking unrelated suspicions to create the impression of illicit asset accumulation and stirring public opinion. This is a typical political offensive seen in the political arena."
He also warned, "I believe there is a high possibility that fake news related to this issue will spread in the future, and I will respond strictly to any false information that does not reflect the facts."
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