Former Deputy Superintendent Choi Seungbok Passes Away: "It Was a Truly Dazzling and Happy Time"

A Communicative Leader Who Pioneered Integration and Educational Development in Jeonnam Gwangju
Sudden Tragedy Strikes Before Taking Up New Post in Gyeonggi Province
Office of Education to Operate Memorial Altar Through October 8

Choi Seungbok, the former Deputy Superintendent of Education for the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City Office of Education, who supported the successful launch of the new office and communicated openly with staff members, has passed away suddenly just before taking up his new post. His passing has brought deep sorrow to the local education community.

On October 2, the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City Office of Education expressed its profound condolences over the passing of the late Deputy Superintendent Choi Seungbok. He served as Deputy Superintendent for both the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education and the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City Office of Education for two years, from September 2024 to September 2026.

Late Choi Seungbok, Deputy Superintendent of Education for Gwangju, Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City Office of Education

On September 14, he was appointed as the First Deputy Superintendent of the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education, but before assuming the new position, he suffered a sudden heart condition. Despite receiving treatment at the hospital, he sadly passed away on October 1.

The late Choi graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in Business Administration, and after passing the 39th Higher Civil Service Examination, began his public service career. He held major roles such as Director of Administration at Mokpo National University and Director of Planning and Coordination at the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education. In particular, as Deputy Superintendent in Gwangju, he played a key role in preparing for integration, stabilizing the organization, and solidly supporting the launch of the Integrated Special City Office of Education.

He was noted not only for his outstanding administrative skills but also for his warm leadership. Choi openly communicated with staff members in daily life, including leading the "Gwangju Education Run Club," a marathon club with over 70 participants. In his farewell message before leaving for Gyeonggi Province, he recalled that the last two years had been "truly dazzling, joyful, and happy times," expressing deep gratitude to his colleagues.

The news of his passing, delivered before he could even begin to realize his aspirations at the new post, has only deepened the sorrow within the education community. The Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City Office of Education has designated the period from October 2 to October 8 as a time of mourning and has set up a temporary memorial altar at the Gwangju office so that members of the Jeonnam-Gwangju education community can pay their respects.

Superintendent Kim Daejung said, "During his time in Gwangju, he loved Gwangju more than anyone else and devoted himself with passion to the development of education in Jeonnam-Gwangju. We had hoped he would play an even greater role in advancing education in Korea, so this is truly heartbreaking."

He added, "We will do our utmost to honor his wishes for always walking the right path and to create better education."

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