Kim Younggon, Gyeongnam Superintendent Candidate, Resonates in Yangsan with "Open Ear" Listening

Education That Enables Children to Make a Living

At the site of the "Open Ear Listening Meeting" held in Yangsan, Gyeongnam, the heartfelt voice of a parent resonated deeply with the attendees.

Kim Younggon, candidate for Gyeongnam Superintendent of Education, at a meeting in Yangsan.

"We don't need grand words. I just hope our children receive an education that helps them develop the ability to live independently after they graduate and enter society."

This brief yet weighty statement prompted everyone to reconsider the true essence of education and reflect on what current education might be missing.

On the afternoon of January 8, Kim Younggon, former Assistant Vice Minister of Education, held an "Open Ear Listening Meeting" at a local cafe in Yangsan for parents and local residents, taking time to listen to their opinions on educational issues.

In particular, regarding the parent's remarks during the meeting, former Assistant Vice Minister Kim expressed deep empathy, stating, "This is the most fundamental question in education and a starting point we must never forget."

He went on to emphasize, "Education should not be a process that leaves children with only test scores, but rather a process that helps them develop the strength to live their own lives. The very question raised here today is a challenge that educational policy and administration must address."

During the meeting, a variety of concerns were raised, including: ▲ the realities and limitations of career and vocational education ▲ the disconnect between school education and local industries ▲ the sense of educational anxiety felt by parents ▲ and worries about children's lack of 'preparation for entering society.'

The attendees commonly shared the view that "there is a significant gap between what children learn at school and the lives they will actually have to lead."

As the meeting concluded, former Assistant Vice Minister Kim stated, "The voices from the field are the true reality of education-something that cannot be captured in reports or statistics. We must seek solutions not from speaking, but from listening." He added, "The question raised by the parent here in Yangsan today will serve as a reference point in all future discussions about education."

This Yangsan meeting was part of Kim Younggon's ongoing "Open Ear" listening campaign, which minimizes speeches and policy announcements in favor of directly hearing from parents, teachers, and local residents.

Participants at the event expressed their agreement, saying, "It's been a long time since we've had a meeting where questions were heard before policy explanations." After the meeting, one parent shared, "Today, more than receiving answers, I felt that our stories were truly listened to."