Superintendent Kim Daejung of Jeonnam Declares "Great Leap Forward for 2026" at New Year's Press Conference

Expansion of 110 AI-Powered Future Classrooms and Student Allowance
Declaration of Administrative Innovation with "The First Year of Integrity"

"The era has arrived when education that is most representative of Jeonnam will lead the world. In 2026, we will present the completed version of 'glocal education,' where children from Jeonnam stand shoulder to shoulder with talented youth from around the globe."

Kim Daejung, Superintendent of Education for Jeonnam, has made a bold move for the new year of 2026, aiming for a global leap in Jeonnam's education and a decisive effort to overcome the crisis of regional decline.

At a New Year's press conference held in the main conference room of the Jeonnam Office of Education on the morning of January 6, Superintendent Kim presented a concrete blueprint to make Jeonnam the global center of education, building on the achievements of the "Jeonnam Education Transformation" initiative pursued over the past three and a half years.

Former Jeonnam Superintendent of Education Kim Daejung strongly expressed his determination to make Jeonnam the global center of education at the New Year's press conference. Provided by Jeonnam Office of Education

During the press conference, Superintendent Kim identified the establishment of an AI-based future education ecosystem as his top priority. He plans not only to introduce new technologies, but also to create an additional 110 "2030 Classrooms" to expand the "Jeonnam-style future classroom," where questions and discussions are actively encouraged.

In particular, he made clear his determination to realize precise, individualized education for every single student through the "Jeonnam Education AI·Big Data Platform." Regarding the issue of regional decline, Superintendent Kim is also taking bold steps, such as expanding student allowances, and has chosen to confront the problem head-on through education.

He stated, "The key is to create a virtuous cycle where talented individuals born and raised in Jeonnam choose to settle in Jeonnam." To this end, the "Jeonnam Student Education Allowance," which has attracted nationwide attention, will be dramatically expanded to include second-year middle school students starting in the 2026 academic year. This is seen as more than just an educational welfare policy; it is interpreted as a strong policy decision by the superintendent to improve the conditions for settling in the region.

One of the key words Superintendent Kim particularly emphasized in this New Year's address is "integrity." He declared 2026 as the "first year of integrity," promising to make fairness and transparency the absolute standards in all administrative matters, including personnel and budgeting.

This move reflects Superintendent Kim's unique philosophy that, above all, the trust of the educational community and Jeonnam residents must underpin the momentum for policy implementation.

Superintendent Kim also mentioned the opening of Jeonnam Future International High School in March and efforts to attract international students, expressing confidence by stating, "Now, not only other provinces but the world is coming to Jeonnam to learn about our education."

He emphasized, "In 2026, we will share the achievements of Jeonnam's education with the world, making Jeonnam firmly recognized as a hub of international education."

Superintendent Kim Daejung pledged, "The path Jeonnam's education has taken is the path forward for education in Korea. Through the completion of glocal Jeonnam education, we will simultaneously achieve a brighter future for our children and growth for our region."