2026 Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education Superintendent's New Year's Address
We will steadfastly uphold the future of Gyeonggi education.
Dear Gyeonggi Education family, and residents of Gyeonggi Province!
The new year of 2026, the Year of the Red Horse (Byeongo Year), has dawned.
I sincerely hope that all your plans for the new year will proceed smoothly,
and wish you a vigorous start to the year with the energy of the red horse.
With the vision of "The Center of Future Education, a New Gyeonggi Education,"
it has already been three and a half years since I took office as the 5th elected Superintendent of Gyeonggi Province.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all members of the education community
who continue to dedicate themselves to the advancement of future education in Gyeonggi.
Last year, the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education was recognized as a top-level education office
in various domestic and international evaluations.
In the 2025 Ministry of Education's evaluation of provincial and metropolitan offices,
we achieved all 21 indicators (All Pass) and were selected as the best education office.
We also received excellent evaluations from various public and private organizations
for our achievements in artificial intelligence innovation and the fulfillment of our commitments.
Furthermore, Gyeonggi Education's exemplary cases in leading future education
were officially introduced in UNESCO's report.
We also received an official proposal from UNESCO
to become a "key partner" in future education.
These achievements of Gyeonggi Education are not the result of any one individual,
but the fruit of the dedication of every member of the Gyeonggi Education family.
The reason the world views the direction of Gyeonggi Education so positively
is because all of you have participated with unwavering commitment.
I feel great pride in the changes and progress of Gyeonggi Education,
which have been made possible by the collaboration of teachers, students, staff, and parents.
The educational achievements we have built together through cooperation
can be sustained only when there is trust and confidence among all members of the education community.
In the new year of 2026, I hope we can continue this momentum,
and further strengthen the value of Gyeonggi Education as recognized by the world,
by working together with renewed determination.
Beloved members of the Gyeonggi Education family,
The world our students will live in is one where they coexist with artificial intelligence.
If we do not teach or utilize this in schools,
it is like asking children to look to the future while covering their eyes and ears.
Just because handwriting is said to be beneficial for emotional development,
we cannot prohibit writing emails or documents on computers.
Instead of simply banning smartphone use because it is considered harmful,
I believe it is a more desirable educational activity
to guide and teach students how to use devices properly and develop good internet etiquette.
If public education ignores the changes of the times, it will inevitably lead to a reliance on private education.
In this context, the introduction of artificial intelligence platforms in school classes and assessments
can serve as a useful supplementary tool,
helping teachers focus on their essential educational roles.
When grading time is reduced by using high-learning AI-based essay and written assessments,
teachers can focus more on students' educational activities,
and students can participate more actively in class,
enabling them to identify their strengths and areas for improvement on their own.
In this way, Gyeonggi Education is leading future education,
proactively responding to the changes of the times.
With the belief that Gyeonggi Education sets the standard for Korea when it takes the initiative,
we will continue to build administrative support systems for staff,
and operate artificial intelligence-based educational support systems
to address parents' questions about their children's education.
Respected members of the Gyeonggi Education family!
Gyeonggi Education will continue to do its utmost
to provide student-centered education, education that prepares students for the future,
and education in which everyone can grow.
At the same time, we must ensure that the foundation of Gyeonggi Education,
which we have built up over the years, remains unwavering.
Especially this year, due to various factors both inside and outside education,
the foundation of Gyeonggi Education-"autonomy, balance, and future"-may be shaken.
However, education must remain steadfast and centered,
no matter what the circumstances.
If we proceed with pride and confidence,
we can overcome any challenge to Gyeonggi Education.
In any situation,
I will fulfill my given duties with a sense of responsibility.
If there is responsibility to be taken on the right path,
I will gladly shoulder it and move forward.
Members of the Gyeonggi Education family, and residents of Gyeonggi Province!
The path that Gyeonggi Education must take is clear.
We must firmly cultivate students' basic character and foundational competencies,
provide individualized education to every student,
and guarantee fair educational opportunities for all.
By creating a high-quality educational environment and operating substantial curricula,
we will ensure that no one is left behind in education,
and that educational opportunities are provided fairly in all circumstances.
We know how to set education on the right path,
and we are making earnest efforts for the essence of education,
but there is always a major barrier we face.
That is the "university entrance examination system."
As artificial intelligence and digital technologies advance day by day,
and countries around the world compete in cutting-edge technologies,
the current university entrance system, which ranks students by correct answers and test scores,
can no longer be expected to shape the future of education in Korea.
Reforming the university entrance system is an urgent mission of our time,
and is essential for the completion of future education in Gyeonggi.
It is a task that must be addressed to restore the essence of education and ensure a happy future for students.
With this sense of mission and responsibility,
I welcome the new year of 2026, the Year of the Red Horse (Byeongo Year).
As someone responsible for one-third of all students in Korea,
with the educational aspirations of 180,000 staff and 14 million residents of Gyeonggi Province in mind,
I will not lose my original commitment as Superintendent,
and will steadfastly move forward to complete future education in Gyeonggi.
I sincerely thank everyone who has come together with shared purpose and support.
I hope that in the new year, Gyeonggi Education will achieve even greater leaps forward based on increased trust.
I wish all members of the Gyeonggi Education family good health,
and a Happy New Year.
2026. 1. 1.
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