Candidates in the June 3 education superintendent elections are competing with promises of cash and financial support for students and parents.
In Seoul, incumbent Superintendent Jung Geun-sik pledged to make education for children aged three to five effectively free and to cover commuting and school trip costs for older students. His conservative rival Yoon Ho-sang promised to cover 40 percent of tuition at designated hagwons through public and private funds.
In Gyeonggi Province, incumbent Yim Tae-hee offered 300,000 won to each high school senior after exams. Liberal challenger Ahn Min-seok proposed a 1 million won seed fund for every first-year middle school student. Similar cash pledges appeared in other provinces.
Experts noted that candidates now emphasize monetized benefits over debates on student rights or curriculum. An Education Spring official said cash and welfare pledges have become the main campaign focus rather than policy substance.
