The Democratic Party of Korea recruited former Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kim Sung-bum as its third talent acquisition for the June 3 National Assembly by-elections on Wednesday. Kim, who worked closely with the Lee Jae-myung administration, is expected to receive strategic nomination for the Seogwipo by-election on Jeju Island, a seat vacated by Rep. Wi Seong-gon's run for Jeju governor.
Party Leader Jeong Cheong-rae, who concurrently serves as chair of the Talent Recruitment Committee, held the recruitment ceremony and praised Kim as "the pride of Seogwipo, born and raised there through elementary, middle, and high school — a 'true son' of Seogwipo and the 'talent among talents' of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries." He added that Kim is "like a Hometown Love Gift Certificate."
"As a public servant raised in Seogwipo, I stand here with the resolve to dedicate the 32 years of governance experience and capability I have accumulated to my hometown Seogwipo," Kim said. "I will return to Seogwipo and pour out everything I have learned and built up."
Wi Seong-gon, the party's Jeju gubernatorial candidate, said, "The talent who will bring victory to the Democratic Party is 'yomangjin Kim Sung-bum.'" He explained, "'Yomangjida' is Jeju dialect meaning spirited and strong, smart and bright. Former Vice Minister Kim is the right person to serve the citizens."
Kim Han-kyu, chair of the party's Jeju provincial chapter, said, "He is a talent essential for the Republic of Korea and for the Democratic Party." He added, "Because Leader Jeong, chair of the Talent Committee, and Deputy Chair Kim Young-jin have carefully deliberated and found a good person, the Jeju provincial chapter will trust the party's decision and do its best to help him play an important role in the party."
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party also granted strategic nominations to Ha Jung-woo, former senior presidential secretary for AI and future planning, for Busan's Buk District A, and Jeon Eun-soo, former presidential spokesperson, for Asan B in South Chungcheong Province. Chief Spokesperson Kang Jun-hyun announced the nominations to reporters at the National Assembly.
