Progressive candidates lead S. Korea education superintendent exit poll

Progressive candidates led in 11 of 16 regional education superintendent races in South Korea, according to a joint exit poll released Wednesday by the country's three major broadcasters KBS, MBC and SBS.

The exit poll, reported by The Korea Times citing the Hankook Ilbo, projects that progressive candidates could ultimately capture as many as 13 regional education offices, which oversee public school policy across South Korea.

In Seoul, incumbent progressive superintendent Jung Geun-sik projected 39 percent of the vote against conservative challenger Cho Jeon-hyuk's 21.2 percent, according to The Korea Times. The gap suggested a commanding lead for the incumbent heading into the final count.

In neighboring Gyeonggi Province, progressive candidate Ahn Min-seok led with a projected 58.2 percent, compared with 41.8 percent for conservative Lim Tae-hee, the Hankook Ilbo reported. The margin was among the widest recorded in the exit polling.

Progressive candidates swept all three Seoul metropolitan jurisdictions — Seoul, Gyeonggi Province and Incheon — marking a strong showing in South Korea's most densely populated region.

Conservative candidates held leads in three areas: Daegu, North Gyeongsang Province and North Chungcheong Province. Two races — in Sejong and on Jeju Island — were too close to call in the exit poll.

The three broadcasters conducted the joint exit poll on election day across all 16 surveyed superintendent races. The elections determine who leads the regional offices responsible for public education administration throughout the country.

Final vote tallies were expected later Wednesday as counting continued across South Korea's regional education districts.