Re-elected Seoul Education Chief Choen Keun-sik vows to restore community, cooperate with mayor

Choen Keun-sik has secured a second term as the Seoul Superintendent of Education following the June 3 local elections. Upon arriving for his first day at the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, Choen pledged to "restore the Seoul education community through reconciliation and integration" and vowed to "listen to the voices from school sites first."

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I will restore the Seoul education community through reconciliation and integration.

Choen stated that citizens' desire for stable development in Seoul's education led to his re-election. He acknowledged the significant responsibilities ahead, noting numerous challenges facing schools, including basic academic skills, mental health, teacher protection, future education, and bridging educational gaps. He aims to implement his 18-month plan to create tangible changes for citizens.

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I feel a heavier sense of responsibility than before the election.

Reflecting on the election process, Choen alluded to internal conflicts within both progressive and conservative camps, where some candidates did not accept primary results. He expressed confidence that individuals with differing views would join him in his new term. Choen also recognized a need to strengthen dialogue with citizens regarding educational issues and to reflect on areas where the office may have been lacking.

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We need to strengthen the part where we communicate with citizens through dialogue about educational issues, and on the other hand, we need to reflect on the parts we have neglected.

Looking ahead, Choen plans to address issues such as normalizing field trips, which he believes are hampered by teachers' safety responsibilities, insufficient support staff, administrative burdens, and budget constraints. He intends to hold a press conference next week with newly elected superintendents from the Seoul metropolitan area to advocate for legal revisions concerning field trips. Choen also expressed his intention to actively cooperate with the newly elected Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, emphasizing the need for frequent discussions on educational matters with the mayor and district heads.

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I will actively cooperate with the newly elected Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon.