Oh Seokjin: "The Essence of Education Is Fostering the Strength to Live as a Person, Not Just Competitive Skills"

Oh Seokjin, Former Director of Education in Daejeon, Holds Successful Book Launch
"Education That Nurtures People, Oh Seokjin Answers" Published
Offering Future Education Solutions from a Field Expert
"Raising Children Who Can Stand Up Again After Falling Is What Matters"

Group photo from the book launch event of Oh Seokjin, former Director of Education at Daejeon Metropolitan Office of Education, titled "Education That Nurtures People, Oh Seokjin Answers" (Photo by Mo Seokbong)

Oh Seokjin, former Director of Education at the Daejeon Metropolitan Office of Education, stated, "The essence of education is not about raising children who excel academically, but about nurturing children who can stand up again after falling, and about fostering the strength to live as a person rather than just the skills to win in competition."

At the book launch event held at the Daejeon Convention Center (DCC) at 2 p.m. on January 10, Oh explained, "That is why I titled my book 'Education That Nurtures People, Oh Seokjin Answers,'" emphasizing that education focused on nurturing people is more important than anything else.

Oh Seokjin, who officially declared his candidacy for the 12th Daejeon Superintendent of Education election and currently serves as the head of the Happy Education Connection Community, held the "Education That Nurtures People, Oh Seokjin Answers" book launch event on this day, signaling the start of his campaign ahead of registering as a preliminary candidate for superintendent.

With more than 2,000 Daejeon citizens and education officials in attendance, the event filled the venue to capacity, resembling a campaign kickoff rally. The event showcased broad political support, with the participation of Jang Jongtae, Member of the National Assembly (Democratic Party/Daejeon Seogap), Lee Myungsoo, former Member of the National Assembly (People Power Party), Daejeon City Council members, and many other figures from across the political spectrum.

Kim Yongkyung (83), the homeroom teacher of author Oh Seokjin at Gongju High School, is sharing various episodes from Oh Seokjin's school days, including the story behind his top admission to Gongju High School.
(Photo by Mo Seokbong)

The event, which included a congratulatory performance, a book signing session, a commemorative ceremony (Part 1), and a book concert (Part 2), featured Oh sharing his 40-year journey in education, from his time as an ROTC cadet and his first teaching assignment, to his roles as teacher, vice principal, principal, supervisor, superintendent, Director of the Korean Education Center in Sao Paulo, and Director of Education at the Daejeon Metropolitan Office of Education.

Oh Seokjin stated, "During my tenure as Director of Education, I was committed to the belief that all educational administration should be centered on schools and that support for educational activities should be fundamental. I worked to expand school autonomy," adding, "I also pushed for bottom-up administration and open platforms that allow parents to directly participate in and voice their opinions on education policy."

He further emphasized, "While strengthening AI-based personalized learning, we must also focus on reading and character education. Childcare should not be seen merely as a matter of looking after children, but as a paradigm shift toward designing a child's entire day."

In closing, Oh said, "I want to be remembered not as an educator who left achievements, but as one who left a lasting impact on people. I will continue to believe in the potential of every child until the end. I am someone who opened up education in Daejeon-not just a simple administrator, but an architect preparing for the future of education. I will serve as a true supporter so that this vision can be realized," appealing for the citizens of Daejeon to join him in shaping the future of education in the city.

Chung Nam National University former President Chung Sangcheol is delivering a congratulatory speech. (Photo by Mo Seokbong)

At the commemorative ceremony (Part 1) held earlier, congratulatory speeches were delivered by Chung Sangcheol, former President of Chungnam National University, Shin Heoncheol, former Vice Chairman of SK Energy, and Jang Jongtae, Member of the National Assembly. Additionally, Kim Yongkyung (83), Oh Seokjin's high school homeroom teacher, took the stage to share various episodes from Oh's school days, including the story behind his top admission to high school.

Jang Jongtae, Member of the National Assembly (Democratic Party/Daejeon Seogap), is delivering a congratulatory speech. (Photo by Mo Seokbong)

Meanwhile, at a press conference at the end of last year, Oh Seokjin emphasized the need for a systematic future education strategy to adapt to the AI era and announced five core strategies for the future of education in Daejeon: satisfaction of the five senses (education, safety, welfare, communication, and future satisfaction).

Oh's career spans roles as a teacher at general middle and high schools, a science high school (Daejeon Science High School), a specialized high school (Chungnam Mechanical Technical High School), vice principal, principal, supervisor, superintendent, and head of an overseas educational institution. He incorporated this international perspective into his work as Director of Education at the Daejeon Metropolitan Office of Education, where he designed education policy for the city.

Book concert scene (Photo by Mo Seokbong)

Additionally, he has served as an adjunct professor at Hannam University, Mokwon University, Daejeon University, and Korea National University of Education. He is currently a professor of external cooperation at Paichai University and the head of the Happy Education Connection Community, continuing his educational activities for the development of education in Daejeon.