Superintendent Kim Daejung Welcomes Special Integration Act, Vows to Usher in Educational Renaissance

A Fruitful Outcome After 40 Years:
"Overcoming Regional Decline Through Educational Autonomy"

Expanding Career Pathways and Nurturing Strategic Industry Talent:
"Leading the K-Education Model"

Kim Daejung, Superintendent of Jeonnam Office of Education, expressed his welcome and high expectations for the passage of the "Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Integration Act" by the National Assembly, stating, "The era of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Educational Renaissance has begun."

On March 1, through his Facebook page, Superintendent Kim stated, "After 40 years since Jeonnam and Gwangju were separated in 1986, a long-standing wish of the local residents has finally been fulfilled." He added, "With the wings of integration, Jeonnam and Gwangju are now ready to dispel the darkness of alienation and discrimination and move forward as new hubs in Northeast Asia."

Kim Daejung, Superintendent of Jeonnam Office of Education

Superintendent Kim identified the realization of educational autonomy as the most significant change expected from the passage of this special law. With the launch of the Integrated Metropolitan City Office of Education, the region will be able to design independent educational policies that reflect its unique local characteristics.

He explained, "With Jeonnam and Gwangju united, we have established a valuable foundation to nurture the shared values of democracy, human rights, and peace through education." He also forecast, "Students will enjoy greatly expanded options for career pathways, and there will be increased opportunities to nurture specialized talent in connection with the region's strategic industries."

◆ Leveling the Playing Field... Presenting the Standard for K-Education

Superintendent Kim defined the passage of this bill as "not an end, but a new beginning." He expressed his determination to use this as an opportunity to address the educational gap caused by the concentration in the Seoul metropolitan area-what he referred to as the "tilted playing field."

He emphasized, "While the legal framework has been established, the real challenge begins now. We must develop the standard model of 'K-Education,' which will lead the future of education in Korea, right here at the integrated Jeonnam-Gwangju educational site."

However, he also pointed out several challenges that must be addressed to achieve true educational autonomy. Superintendent Kim added, "There is a need for follow-up measures such as securing sufficient teaching staff, ensuring stable management of the educational budget, and creating special provisions to attract international students."

Going forward, the Jeonnam Office of Education will initiate concrete work centered around the "Integration Promotion Task Force." The office will also strengthen on-site communication to minimize confusion during the reorganization of the educational system due to administrative integration.

Superintendent Kim concluded, "We will maintain constant communication with the government, local authorities, and all members of the educational community to ensure the integration process proceeds smoothly. I ask for the unwavering support of the local community so that Jeonnam and Gwangju can be reborn as the center of education in Korea."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.