Former KTU Chair Jeon Heeyoung Announces Candidacy for Gyeongnam Governor as Progressive Party Member

Jeon Heeyoung, former chairperson of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union, announced her candidacy for governor of Gyeongnam Province as a member of the Progressive Party in the nationwide local elections scheduled for June.

At a press conference held at the Gyeongnam Provincial Government Press Center on January 12, Jeon stated, "After concluding my 25-year teaching career, I am running for governor of Gyeongnam Province as a member of the Progressive Party to take responsibility for the future of hardworking people."

Jeon Heeyoung, former chairperson of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (left), and Kim Jaeyeon, co-representative of the Progressive Party, are holding hands and taking a commemorative photo right after Jeon Heeyoung announced her candidacy for governor of Gyeongnam Province. Photo by Se-ryeong Lee

She pledged, "I will put an end to the era of a wealthy province but impoverished residents in Gyeongnam," and added, "I will become the first female governor who takes responsibility for the future of working people," presenting four strategic visions as her campaign pledges.

Her pledges include: launching a Gyeongnam-style job security program; establishing a regional public bank directly funded by the provincial government; significantly increasing the farmers’ allowance, implementing a climate disaster relief fund system and a support system for essential agricultural supplies; guaranteeing the rights of care workers, building a care system managed by the province, expanding medical personnel, and increasing public healthcare facilities.

She also proposed the formation of a Gyeongnam Revitalization and Balanced Development Public Discussion Committee at the level of the provincial council, local governments, assemblies, and civil society, in relation to the administrative integration of Busan and Gyeongnam.

When asked why she chose to run for governor instead of superintendent of education despite her long career in education, Jeon replied, "I realized that educational issues cannot move forward unless politics is resolved and society changes. I decided to run because I believe that changing politics is the key to changing the lives of children."

Kim Jaeyeon, standing representative of the Progressive Party, also attended the press conference and appealed for public support, stating, "Former chairperson Jeon not only spent many years as a teacher but also served twice as chairperson of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union. The party will spare no effort to actively support her campaign."

Jeon concluded, "As the first female governor of Gyeongnam Province, I will demonstrate a warm and inclusive administration where no one is left behind."