Jeong Geun-sik has successfully secured reelection as the Seoul Education Chief during the nationwide local elections held on June 3, 2026. His victory is expected to provide momentum for the administration of education in Seoul. There is anticipation regarding the swift implementation of his key campaign promises, known as the 'Jeong Geun-sik Education Policy.'
With this election result, the progressive educational framework in Seoul, which has been in place since 2014, is expected to be further solidified. Jeong's reelection ensures the stability and continuity of Seoul's educational administration, which manages an annual budget of 11 trillion won.
Immediately after his election was confirmed on June 4, Jeong expressed his gratitude in a written statement, saying, "The choice of the citizens of Seoul reflects a desire for schools where each student is respected and can grow together beyond competition and anxiety." He emphasized that he would not forget the voices of citizens and students he encountered during the campaign, stating, "We will continue to change without stopping and will ensure a more stable continuation of our initiatives." This indicates a commitment to accelerate the qualitative deepening of innovative future education and the fulfillment of his campaign promises.
As a result, Jeong's five key policy areas centered around 'responsible education for all and creative future education' are expected to gain concrete execution through the upcoming budget planning for the second half of the year.
One of the most notable areas is the education welfare sector, which aims to complete free education as guaranteed by the constitution. Jeong has pledged to fully implement 'complete free early childhood education' during his term, which includes covering the costs of education, meals, after-school programs, and childcare for children aged 3 to 5. Significant welfare spending policies, such as full transportation cost support for students and the elimination of field trip costs for elementary and middle school students, are also expected to gain traction.
The 'customized growth responsible education' system, which strengthens the responsibilities of public education, is also anticipated to be quickly established. Jeong plans to expand the current 11 'Seoul Learning Diagnosis Growth Centers' to all 25 districts, enhance the S-PLAN literacy and numeracy diagnostic assessments, and gradually assign specialized teachers for basic academic skills to all schools.
Additionally, there are signs of investment in future-oriented holistic education infrastructure, which will include the use of AI educational technology alongside traditional reading of printed texts to foster critical thinking skills.
Education officials believe that Jeong's reelection will increase predictability in Seoul's educational administration, alleviating concerns about the uncertainty of policies that have historically stimulated the private education market during election seasons. However, challenges such as the need for efficiency in educational finances due to a declining school-age population and the establishment of a robust system for protecting teachers' rights remain pressing issues.
An education sector official emphasized, "Since Jeong has declared his intention to embrace the wishes of citizens who made different choices, he must demonstrate leadership that integrates conflicts in the education field and builds a comprehensive educational safety net."
With this election result, the progressive educational framework in Seoul, which has been in place since 2014, is expected to be further solidified. Jeong's reelection ensures the stability and continuity of Seoul's educational administration, which manages an annual budget of 11 trillion won.
Immediately after his election was confirmed on June 4, Jeong expressed his gratitude in a written statement, saying, "The choice of the citizens of Seoul reflects a desire for schools where each student is respected and can grow together beyond competition and anxiety." He emphasized that he would not forget the voices of citizens and students he encountered during the campaign, stating, "We will continue to change without stopping and will ensure a more stable continuation of our initiatives." This indicates a commitment to accelerate the qualitative deepening of innovative future education and the fulfillment of his campaign promises.
As a result, Jeong's five key policy areas centered around 'responsible education for all and creative future education' are expected to gain concrete execution through the upcoming budget planning for the second half of the year.
One of the most notable areas is the education welfare sector, which aims to complete free education as guaranteed by the constitution. Jeong has pledged to fully implement 'complete free early childhood education' during his term, which includes covering the costs of education, meals, after-school programs, and childcare for children aged 3 to 5. Significant welfare spending policies, such as full transportation cost support for students and the elimination of field trip costs for elementary and middle school students, are also expected to gain traction.
The 'customized growth responsible education' system, which strengthens the responsibilities of public education, is also anticipated to be quickly established. Jeong plans to expand the current 11 'Seoul Learning Diagnosis Growth Centers' to all 25 districts, enhance the S-PLAN literacy and numeracy diagnostic assessments, and gradually assign specialized teachers for basic academic skills to all schools.
Additionally, there are signs of investment in future-oriented holistic education infrastructure, which will include the use of AI educational technology alongside traditional reading of printed texts to foster critical thinking skills.
Education officials believe that Jeong's reelection will increase predictability in Seoul's educational administration, alleviating concerns about the uncertainty of policies that have historically stimulated the private education market during election seasons. However, challenges such as the need for efficiency in educational finances due to a declining school-age population and the establishment of a robust system for protecting teachers' rights remain pressing issues.
An education sector official emphasized, "Since Jeong has declared his intention to embrace the wishes of citizens who made different choices, he must demonstrate leadership that integrates conflicts in the education field and builds a comprehensive educational safety net."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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