On January 21, Seo Geo-seok, the Superintendent of Education in Jeonbuk, was sentenced to a fine of 5 million won in the appeal court, resulting in the invalidation of his election. This verdict was related to charges of disseminating false information during the superintendent election process, and the court ruled that Seo's actions violated the Public Official Election Act.

If the Supreme Court upholds this ruling, Seo will immediately lose his position as superintendent and the remaining term will be completed under the acting deputy superintendent.

The prosecution had sought a fine of 3 million won in the appeal court, but the court imposed a fine of 5 million won. Legal experts predict a high possibility that the Supreme Court will uphold the appellate court's ruling.

The Supreme Court ruling is expected to be made within three months from the date of the appellate court ruling. However, Seo's side is hoping for a retrial in the Supreme Court, citing the dispute over the dismissal of the Jeongeup mayor as an example.

Along with this, attention is growing towards potential candidates showing interest or preparing for the next superintendent election. Seo's candidacy for the next superintendent election will depend on the Supreme Court's decision, but let's see who else is there (in alphabetical order).

Cheon Ho-seong, a professor at Jeonju National University of Education, is increasing his chances of running in the next election by expanding his political activities, such as attending political fundraising events. On the day of Seo's second trial, his wife attended a reunion of a club she was active in during high school.

Yu Seong-dong, a former teacher at Shin Dae Elementary School in Chungnam, is actively involved in the education sector since founding the Good Education Citizens' Alliance last May. He is being noticed as a promising candidate as he criticizes existing education policies and raises a voice to propose new alternatives.

Lee Nam-ho, former president of Jeonbuk National University, is focusing on the 'Jeonbuk Mega Vision Project' as the head of the Jeonbuk Research Institute to prepare strategies and policy proposals for Jeonbuk in anticipation of the possibility of an early election. He is receiving extraordinary attention regarding his candidacy for superintendent as he is an influential figure not only in the education sector but also in the political arena.

Lee Mi-young, a former teacher at Jeonju Industrial High School, has the pain of being dismissed after serving as the head of the Jeonbuk branch of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union. Recently, she was appointed as the chairperson of the special advisory committee by Superintendent Seo and has been active in this role. Although her connection with the current superintendent is being noticed, if she runs in the next election, she is likely to establish an independent position.

Kim Yoon-tae, a professor at Woosuk University, has not been active in politics since he gave up his candidacy in the Jeonju constituency, but he is known to be in contact with people in the education sector and union officials. He was introduced as an operating committee member of the Jeonbuk Peace and Human Rights Alliance, where former superintendent Kim Seung-hwan served as a co-representative.

In this situation, the Supreme Court's ruling on Superintendent Seo is expected to be a turning point that will significantly influence the education sector in Jeonbuk and the election structure. The competition for the next superintendent election is likely to intensify early.