Superintendent Park Jonghun: "With My Original Intentions, I Will Lead Gyeongnam Education with Dedication"

"Just as I did when I first became Superintendent, I will remain true to my original intentions for the rest of my term, leading Gyeongnam education with dedication and a focus on education that puts people at the center of change."

Park Jonghun, Superintendent of Gyeongnam Office of Education, made these remarks at the New Year's press conference held on the 6th at the auditorium of the provincial Office of Education.

Serving his final term as superintendent due to the three-term limit, Superintendent Park said, "I have mixed feelings today, as this will be my last New Year's press conference."

Park Jonghun, Superintendent of Gyeongnam Office of Education, is answering questions at the 2026 New Year's Press Conference. Photo by Lee Seryung

He reflected, "The past 12 years have been a time of restoring the essence of education through school innovation, achieving a structural transformation toward the future, and laying the foundation for a future-oriented education system."

He explained that during his first four-year term, he focused on restoring the essence of education-growth through cooperation rather than competition-by introducing Happy Schools, learner-centered classes, and professional learning communities.

He added that during his second term, beginning in 2018, Gyeongnam education prepared for a major shift toward future education in an era of rapid change driven by the climate crisis and digital transformation, through initiatives such as spatial innovation, future-oriented schools, ecological transition, and the big data and AI platform 'i-TalkTalk.'

He further explained that in the ongoing third term, which began in 2022, Gyeongnam education has been fully committed to establishing a sustainable foundation for continued progress, including the Future Education Institute, the Career Education Institute, the Gyeongnam-style joint school, and regionally tailored care programs.

Park Jonghun, Superintendent of Gyeongnam Office of Education, is explaining the key policies to be promoted during the remaining term at the 2026 New Year's Press Conference. Photo by Lee Seryung

Superintendent Park also stated, "Over the past 12 years, I have witnessed both the potential and the clear limitations of education in Korea," and presented three core policy directions for the remainder of his term.

The key policies are: ▲Stable implementation of the high school credit system ▲Establishment of a customized integrated student support system ▲Strengthening the protection of educational activities.

To achieve this, the Gyeongnam Office of Education plans to shift the operation of the High School Credit System Support Center to focus on field support, ensuring students' freedom to choose subjects, enhancing teachers' expertise in evaluation, and building collaborative systems among schools.

This year, student-customized integrated support centers will be established in all 18 local education offices in the province, solidifying the Gyeongnam-style student support system and strengthening the role of connecting schools and local communities.

In addition, the office will continue preventive and restorative policies for protecting educational activities, such as appointing educational activity protection officers and operating conflict mediation committees, while further enhancing psychological support for teachers who have suffered harm.

Superintendent Park emphasized, "The high school credit system will undoubtedly become a key to transforming Korea's competitive education into one centered on students' competencies."

"Although the lack of human and material resources, the work burden on teachers, and confusion in system implementation have created challenges in the field, I will focus all efforts on building a foundation that preserves the essence and intent of the system, collaborating with schools and securing practical momentum at the grassroots level," he said. "I want to lay the groundwork for an operation of the high school credit system that satisfies everyone by reducing the burden and minimizing confusion in schools before I step down."

He also said, "I am convinced that the customized integrated student support system, which comprehensively guarantees children's rights to basic academic ability, health, and safety, is the beginning of future education that protects children's lives. Ensuring complete education for children in any environment is the very reason our education system exists."

"Supporting and protecting teachers who are suffering is the surest way to improve the quality of education and enhance Korea's competitiveness," he added. "I will actively support teachers so that they can devote themselves to education alongside children."

Gyeongnam Superintendent of Education Park Jonghun's 2026 New Year Press Conference is being held at the Gyeongnam Office of Education Auditorium. Photo by Lee Seryung

On the reduced budget for the Office of Education, Superintendent Park expressed regret, saying, "No matter how much interest and affection there is, you cannot get work done without money."

"Cutting the education budget simply because of a declining population seriously undermines educational funding, making it impossible to pursue future-oriented and experience-based education or to improve facilities and environments," he said. "I hope that more budget will be allocated to improve poor educational environments and to consider the future of our children 30 or even 50 years from now."

However, he acknowledged, "Over the past 12 years, I agree that the educational perspective has shifted to focus on criticism and learning, creating a self-directed culture where students are the main agents of education. I feel rewarded that Gyeongnam education has become a new possibility for Korea."

Regarding his plans after retirement, he said, "I have been saying for a year that I would return to private life. If I could serve as superintendent again, I would," expressing his affection for the role.

He continued, "I want to quietly finish the remaining six months of my term and hand over my duties to the new superintendent. If it is rare for someone to complete three terms, not run for election again, and pass the position to the next elected official, I am considering setting a good example. I will do my best to ensure a smooth transition, focusing on ways for children to enjoy happy school life and develop future competencies at school, home, and in the community."

He also said, "I regret not being able to develop libraries further during my tenure, but after retirement, I would like to build a 66-square-meter village library in my hometown of Changnyeong and, if possible, establish a youth reading support foundation to help children read more books. If you visit, I will serve you warm tea."

Finally, Superintendent Park stated, "In my inaugural address in 2014, I presented the vision of a school where learning is enjoyable and Gyeongnam education is cultivated together, promising to create an educational community where the learning process is respected and no one is excluded. As I promised at the beginning, I will lead Gyeongnam education responsibly for the remaining six months of my term."