Hong Je-nam: "Superintendent Candidates Must Not Teach Hate... I Will Protect Teachers"

Press Conference of Progressive Seoul Superintendent Candidates on May 26

Reducing Administrative Work for Teachers and Guaranteeing Political Rights

Hong Je-nam, candidate for Seoul Superintendent of Education, stated, "A person running for superintendent is teaching children to hate," and added, "Respecting the identity of every child is the starting point of democratic education."

Hong Je-nam, candidate for Seoul Mayor of Education, is making a pledge announcement at the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the 26th. Photo by Yonhap News

On May 26, at a press conference for Seoul Superintendent of Education candidates with democratic and progressive inclinations, held at the briefing room of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, Hong made these remarks. He directly criticized conservative candidate Cho Jun-hyuk's banner that read "Out with Homosexuality Education."

He also commented on the current superintendent, candidate Chung Geun-sik, saying, "When fellow teacher Ji Hye-bok was crying out under unjust oppression, the Office of Education drove a nail into her heart with harsh words," and added, "A superintendent who cannot protect even a single fellow teacher cannot be responsible for education in Seoul."

Hong said, "Hate, incompetence, and undemocratic practices are not the answers for education in Seoul," pledging to reduce teachers' administrative work and to strive for the guarantee of basic political rights. He emphasized, "Those who teach democratic citizenship must themselves be democratic citizens."

Regarding education methods in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), he said he would transform classrooms to foster literacy and written expression skills. He stated, "We will establish standards for smart device usage among lower elementary grades and expand digital-free zones so that children can take the lead in technology."

Additionally, Hong pledged, "I will realize educational welfare as universal welfare," and said, "We will implement Free Transportation 2.0, guaranteeing students' right to learn and move, and provide free meals during school vacations." He explained his plan to continuously expand free learning rights, including the priority implementation of free student transportation and free meals for students in care during school breaks.

Hong is a former science teacher with a doctorate in education, who has been active in the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union, educational policy research, and public education reform initiatives.

He said, "Parents and teachers in Seoul do not want a superintendent who teaches hate, one who cannot protect teachers, or one who disregards democratic procedures," adding, "A true expert from the field, who possesses the real qualities of a superintendent, should be the one to take responsibility for education in Seoul through this superintendent election."

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