Progressives sweep education superintendent races

Progressive candidates dominated the education superintendent races, which were part of Wednesday's local elections, tilting the balance of power among the country's education chiefs in their favor.

In Seoul, incumbent superintendent Jung Geun-sik was reelected in a crowded race among eight candidates, along with other progressive incumbents in Incheon and Busan.

Busan winner Kim Seok-jun secured a fourth consecutive term, claiming a record tenure in the country.

Gyeonggi Province saw progressive candidate Ahn Min-seok swoop in to take office.

Progressives now hold 10 of 16 superintendent positions for the next four years.

Conservatives won races in six constituencies including conservative strongholds Daegu, North and South Gyeongsang Provinces, as well as Sejong, Daejeon and North Chungcheong.

Daegu winner Kang Eun-hee has become the city’s first female superintendent, clinching her third consecutive term.

Sejong winner Kang Mi-ae also became the city’s first female education chief.

The overall outcome has shifted the country’s demography of education chiefs toward progressives,