Jeong Keun-sik Confirmed as Unified Progressive Candidate for Seoul Superintendent of Education

Seoul: In a significant development for the upcoming Seoul education chief election, Jeong Keun-sik, the current Superintendent of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, has secured his position as the unified candidate for the progressive camp. This confirmation, announced by the "2026 Seoul Democratic Progressive Education Chief Unification Promotion Committee," follows a rigorous process of internal selection.

The committee's announcement on the 23rd revealed that Jeong Keun-sik garnered a majority of votes in the first round of citizen participation voting, solidifying his status as the sole progressive contender. This process involved a substantial electorate, including 1,318 youths, totaling 28,516 voters, with a turnout rate of 61.6%.

Jeong Keun-sik, who initially took office following a by-election in October 2024 and served for 18 months, is now vying for a full term. His re-election bid is set against a backdrop of a divided political landscape. The conservative camp has already selected Yoon Ho-sang as its unified candidate. However, the race is not without its complexities, as some candidates from the conservative primaries have raised objections, and others have yet to commit, potentially leading to a multi-candidate scenario. For Hankyoreh, a newspaper known for its progressive stance, this unification is a crucial step in advancing its vision for education reform in Seoul, emphasizing a commitment to democratic and progressive educational values that resonate deeply within South Korean society.