# Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Office of Education developments

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/jeonnam-gwangju-integrated-office-of-education-developments
> Updated: 2026-09-18T08:07:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 4.

The Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City Office of Education has faced scrutiny regarding procurement practices and administrative transitions.

Allegations surfaced involving the Office of Education and its affiliated agencies, including eight education support offices and five direct agencies. A civic group reported that these entities repeatedly entered into private contracts with a single company to purchase 388 negative pressure toilet systems, totaling approximately 152.57 million KRW. The group is investigating whether the main office recommended the provider or if improper promotional activities influenced budget allocations. The Office of Education stated that while agencies conduct purchases individually, they will investigate the circumstances.

To address administrative integration, the office has proposed an ordinance to provide financial support for staff affected by workplace relocations. The ordinance targets employees whose work locations moved outside their previous jurisdictions, covering relocation costs, housing, and transportation. The support is intended to apply retroactively to July 1, the date of the office’s establishment.

Additionally, the office announced plans to resume construction of a new six-story administrative headquarters in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju. The 129.8 billion KRW project is slated for completion by the first half of 2030 and is intended to serve as a hub for talent cultivation, specifically linking curricula with the semiconductor industry.

In an effort to stabilize the organization following its July launch, Choi Bo-young has been appointed as the first Planning and Coordination Director. A high-ranking official from the Ministry of Education with a doctorate in educational policy, Choi is tasked with coordinating policies and fostering collaboration between the previously separate administrative systems of Gwangju and Jeonnam.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-18: Choi Bo-young appointed first Planning and Coordination Director of Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Office of Education

Choi Bo-young has been appointed as the first Planning and Coordination Director of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special Metropolitan Office of Education to lead organizational stability.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/choi-bo-young-appointed-first-planning-and-coordination-director-of-jeonnam-gwangju-integrated-offic

### 2026-09-13: Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Education Office resumes new headquarters construction

The Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special Metropolitan Office of Education is resuming construction of a new 129.8 billion KRW headquarters and hosting its first major regional education supplies fair.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jeonnam-gwangju-integrated-education-office-resumes-new-headquarters-construction

### 2026-09-06: Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Education Office proposes relocation support

The Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City Office of Education proposed an ordinance to provide relocation, housing, and transportation support for officials affected by workplace changes due to integration.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jeonnam-gwangju-integrated-education-office-proposes-relocation-support

### 2026-08-27: Jeonnam Gwangju Office of Education faces preferential contract allegations

The Jeonnam Gwangju Office of Education faces allegations of preferential treatment after multiple affiliated agencies repeatedly used private contracts to purchase toilet systems from a single company.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jeonnam-gwangju-office-of-education-faces-preferential-contract-allegations

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Cite as: Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Office of Education developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/jeonnam-gwangju-integrated-office-of-education-developments