Gyeonggi Province Superintendent of Education An Min-seok took to social media Thursday to share his reflections on this year's national audit.
"We underwent the national audit," An wrote. "Throughout the all-day proceedings, Gyeonggi education received more attention than we could have hoped for from members of the National Assembly's education committee. Phone-free schools, RAS (the Gyeonggi arts, physical education and culture program), 'breaking walls,' and the teachers' rights protection officer were mentioned throughout the day."
He noted that audits built on encouragement rather than criticism are rare. "I took the praise as encouragement to do even better," he wrote. "Praise is also a new assignment. Gyeonggi education will stand at the forefront of education in South Korea and lead the way in the AI era."
An said he would move quickly to address the issues lawmakers raised. "In particular, the fact that there are as many as 100 schools in Gyeonggi Province where children are not allowed to play on the playground is unacceptable," he wrote. "Playgrounds exist so children can run and play with their friends. Regardless of the reason, I will ensure children can run freely on the playground — while making safety even more robust."
He also addressed procurement concerns. "Allegations surrounding bidding and school uniform purchases will be investigated to establish the facts, and anyone found in violation will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law," he wrote. "Gyeonggi education does not tolerate corruption or cartels. Educational integrity is the foundation of education."
On the use of generative AI in classrooms, An said restrictions are needed during class time but that the details should not be decided by the education office alone. "We will first assess the situation and gather input from experts, teachers and parents before making a decision," he wrote.
An also thanked his staff for their work preparing for the audit. "It is I who knows better than anyone that your dedication has brought Gyeonggi education the attention and warm encouragement of people across the country," he wrote. "Your hard work will leave a lasting mark."
He closed by thanking parents who watched the audit live. "Praise becomes a new assignment; criticism calls for swift action and a search for root causes," An added. "I will think ahead, communicate widely, and move rightly and quickly."
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