As the Jeonbuk superintendent of education election draws closer, even the term “ungrateful” has appeared in related media coverage. This seems like an attempt to transplant the frame of "loyalty" and "betrayal"—more fitting for gang-related narratives—into the realm of education.

The bigger issue is that such framing relies not on facts or public scrutiny, but on rumors and emotional judgments. Arguments over who once helped whom and whether someone's candidacy is morally appropriate only cloud voters' judgment. They hinder a healthy election culture centered on values and policy, reducing public service and Jeonbuk education to the level of personal sentiments. Such storytelling, reminiscent of gangster films, stains the electoral discourse with crude narratives. Moreover, the idea that someone “got the position thanks to someone else” is an insult to all voters.

The role of superintendent should be evaluated based on policy and accountability, not loyalty, favoritism, or emotional assessments. At the heart of education are not power or personal ties, but the students. What matters most is choosing a person capable of shaping the future of Jeonbuk education.

Education is not a movie. It is time for all of us to stand against the “gangster frame” that pollutes the public discourse on education in Jeonbuk. Those who create and spread such narratives are, in fact, the true obstacles to educational progress—and they represent a deep-rooted problem that must be rooted out.