Global Economic Times

"Education is a Fundamental Right, Not Charity": Kim Young-chun Declares Candidacy for Chungnam Education Superintendent: HONG MOON HWA Senior Reporter / Updated : 2026-01-22 12:07:18

Kim pledges 'Festival of Growth' and introduces 'Chungnam-style Basic Education Allowance' to bridge regional gaps.

Kim Young-chun, a member of the Presidential Committee on Local Initiatives and former Vice President of Kongju National University, officially announced his candidacy for the Superintendent of the Chungnam Office of Education during a press conference held at the Provincial Government Press Center on the 20th. Under the conviction that "education is a social right guaranteed by the Constitution," Kim vowed to rectify the structural inequality where a child's life path is dictated by their place of birth or family economic status.

Addressing Educational Disparity and Structural Reform
Kim identified regional disparity as the most pressing crisis facing Chungnam’s education system. He highlighted the overcrowding and high private education costs in Cheonan and Asan, the lack of infrastructure in the West Coast region, and the dual threat of closures and academic decline facing small schools in the inland areas. "I will dismantle the structure where a single exam score or a home address determines a lifetime of opportunity," Kim stated, promising to transform schools from competitive starting lines into a "festival of growth" where every student can flourish.

The '5 Visions and 10 Core Pledges'
To reinforce the state’s responsibility in education, Kim unveiled a comprehensive roadmap:

The 5 Visions: Zero financial burden for parents through a Basic Education Allowance, full guarantee of foundational literacy and AI-based customized talent development, regional gap resolution via a Win-Win Budget system, cultivation of global citizens, and the establishment of '365-Day Safe Schools (S-Zones)'.
The 10 Core Pledges: These include a dual-teacher system for all-day care (ages 0-5), providing one AI tutor per student, operating regional Future Learning Centers, and developing "Masterpiece Schools" in rural hubs.
He further proposed tailored policies: strengthening public career counseling in the Cheonan-Asan area, providing industry-linked vocational training in the West Coast region, and reinforcing foundational academic support and childcare in inland areas.

Strengthening Progressive Values and Administrative Leadership
While Kim maintained a centrist stance in previous elections, this declaration signals a shift toward stronger progressive values. He emphasized the restoration of an educational community that protects both students' participation rights and teachers' labor rights. "I will resolutely reject any conflict structure that pits students against teachers," he asserted. Leveraging his experience as a university vice president and a former education policy special advisor for a presidential campaign, Kim positioned himself as the leader capable of opening a new era for Chungnam education.