Kim, a preliminary People Power Party (PPP) candidate for Yongsan District mayor, held a press conference near Seoul Station at 11 a.m. on the 25th and pledged, “I will realize Yongsan’s dream with Yongsan’s 200,000 residents.” A large number of supporters attended the event to back his bid.
Kim graduated from Suncheon High School in Jeollanam-do and earned a degree in English literature from Seoul National University. He entered public service after passing the 32nd national administrative exam and later held key posts at the Ministry of Unification, including spokesman, Unification secretary at the Presidential Office, and vice minister. He also ran in the 22nd general election in 2024 for a National Assembly seat in Suncheon, Jeollanam-do.
Explaining his decision to run, Kim said, “Since 1993, Yongsan has been my home for more than 20 years. In the global era and amid the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it has the potential to grow into a prosperous, high-quality city. Now is the time to redesign Yongsan’s future.”
Kim identified infrastructure as the core of urban competitiveness. “For Yongsan to be built as a premium city, its structural backbone is essential,” he said. “Developing urban infrastructure must be the top priority.”
He said he would steer the district’s budget toward targeted programs that have a direct impact on residents’ lives, including welfare, job support, and assistance for small businesses.
Revitalizing the Yongsan Electronics Market was a major part of his plan. “I’m saddened that the market’s standing has declined from its former prominence,” Kim said. “My goal is to transform the Yongsan Electronics Market into an Asian version of Silicon Valley by integrating it with AI, a core industry of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”
Kim highlighted his strengths as extensive government experience and conflict-resolution skills. “Drawing on my experience as a vice minister, my international capabilities, and the conflict-management and coordination skills I developed during negotiations with North Korea, I will mobilize active participation from Yongsan residents and enlist the expertise of private-sector professionals,” he said, appealing, “Let’s realize Yongsan’s dream together.”
