Superintendent Do Sung-hoon’s book launch event, which officially announced his bid for a third term, has exposed a potential rift within the progressive camp.
The conservative camp is equally fragmented, with candidates dispersing after a half-hearted unification attempt, further complicating the election landscape for the Incheon Education Superintendent position.
Superintendent Do held the book launch for ‘Question 8’ at 6:30 PM on May 10th.
This event serves as a significant campaign kickoff ahead of the upcoming June 3 local elections and provides an indirect response from the superintendent regarding his previously unclear stance on running for a third term.
In his book, Do stated, \”I have dedicated myself solely to the happiness and growth of our entire educational community, and this book is a record of that journey of inquiry and reflection.\” He expressed hope that \”questions confirming essential educational values will continue to emerge based on this foundation.\”
By signaling his intention to run for a third term, the superintendent has effectively hindered any potential unification among progressive candidates, as he is not currently participating in the unification process despite being classified as a progressive.
On May 2, Lim Byeong-gu, the permanent representative of the National Educational Autonomy Innovation Alliance, officially declared his candidacy for the superintendent position at the Incheon Office of Education and registered as a preliminary candidate with the election commission.
Following that, on May 9, Shim Jun-hee, the representative of the Incheon Youth Basic Income Forum, held a press conference in front of the education office to announce his candidacy as the second progressive candidate.
Former Incheon Office of Education Science and Information Director Ko Bo-seon will also hold a publication event on the 25th to officially declare his candidacy.
Currently, these three progressive candidates are negotiating with community organizations regarding the unification process and timing. They expect to determine a unified candidate by the end of this month or early next month.
Previously, the conservative camp’s unification efforts have already faltered. The Fair Education Right Incheon Alliance (FERIA), formed to nominate a conservative candidate for the superintendent election, initially included four members: former Incheon City Council member Seo Jeong-ho, Kang Nam Video Media High School teacher Yeon Kyu-won, representative Lee Hyun-jun, and professor Lee Dae-hyung from the National Incheon University of Education.
However, as issues surrounding the unification process arose, Seo Jeong-ho withdrew, followed by Lee Hyun-jun and Yeon Kyu-won, leaving only Professor Lee Dae-hyung. On May 6th, he was appointed as the sole unification candidate.
The other three candidates have indicated their intention to complete their respective campaigns, which could result in four conservative candidates running for the position.
Consequently, the current scenario suggests at least two progressive candidates and four conservative candidates will compete for the superintendent position.
/By Lee Chang-wook, chuk@incheonilbo.com
Most Commented