About two weeks ago, Seo Geo-seok, Superintendent of Jeollabuk-do Office of Education, faced a major shock in the local education sector when his brother-in-law, Mr. A, died by suicide. Mr. A was a key figure indicted on charges of perjury instigation related to Seo’s violation of the Public Official Election Act.

According to police, Mr. A was found deceased inside a car near Yongdam Dam in Jin'an County. A message believed to be written by Mr. A was found on his mobile phone, and foul play has been ruled out.

Mr. A had been indicted last year for allegedly encouraging Professor Lee Gwi-jae of Jeonbuk National University, a crucial witness, to give false testimony at Seo’s trial. Mr. A had continuously denied the charges and was undergoing trial proceedings before his death. His sudden death just ahead of court proceedings sent shockwaves through the local education community.

Despite the gravity of this tragedy, prospective candidates for next year’s Jeonbuk Superintendent election continue to push forward without pause.

On April 22, the "Jeonbuk Education Forum," featuring Professor Kim Yun-tae of Woosuk University as its keynote speaker, held a major forum at Yeonji Art Hall in Jeongeup, with organized participation from the Jeonbuk Teachers' Union and Jeonbuk Teachers’ Association. Additionally, the "Education 119 Roundtable" led by Professor Cheon Ho-seong of Jeonju National University of Education was held on April 26 at the university's Kim Seo-Jong Hall, with support from the Jeonbuk branch of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU) and the Public Officials Union of Jeonbuk Office of Education.

Particularly noteworthy is the current behavior of the KTU Jeonbuk branch. Despite former branch head Noh Byeong-seop preparing to run for the superintendent election, the current leadership, aligned with the Gyeonggi Eastern Coalition, is backing events associated with Professor Cheon. Analysts note that the internal divisions caused by differing political leanings have made reconciliation difficult within the union.

Previously, the KTU Jeonbuk branch’s former leadership, associated with the PD (Progressive Democratic) faction, had actively supported Superintendent Kim Seung-hwan's administration and emphasized realizing true education and enhancing student rights. Noh Byeong-seop continues to promote independent educational issues through banners and public campaigns, upholding the spirit of the true education movement.

Despite the shocking circumstances surrounding Superintendent Seo Geo-seok — including ongoing trials and the tragic death of a key figure — the race among candidates preparing to run in next year's superintendent election continues unabated. Seo himself has drawn criticism for his media responses, which have included shifting blame for his brother-in-law’s death onto investigative agencies, as well as rumors surrounding the voluntary resignation of a staff member from the superintendent’s office. Without even allowing time for the confusion and wounds to heal, the Jeonbuk education community is swiftly shifting back into election mode.