The Democratic Party on April 30 named Kim Seong-beom, a former vice minister of oceans and fisheries, as its third “talent recruitment” pick ahead of the June 3 parliamentary by-elections. Kim is widely expected to run in Seogwipo, Jeju, the seat vacated by Wi Seong-gon after Wi confirmed his bid for Jeju governor and resigned his lawmaker post. Kim said he wants to work for his hometown of Seogwipo.
Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae introduced Kim at a National Assembly event, calling him “a master” in the oceans and fisheries field. Jeong said Kim was appointed vice minister as soon as the Lee Jae-myung government launched and showed strong performance, adding that Kim wants to use more than 30 years of experience for Seogwipo’s development and South Korea’s maritime future.
Kim said he spent 32 years in public service, working mostly in oceans and fisheries administration. He said that as vice minister he delivered results, including handling the relocation of the oceans ministry to Busan and raising fines for illegal Chinese fishing boats.
Kim, who is from Namjeju and attended school in Seogwipo, said he left Seogwipo, gained broader experience and returned. “I will use the national-level experience and strength I have built up for my hometown of Seogwipo,” he said.
Wi, who attended the event, encouraged Kim. Wi said Kim is “yomangjida,” explaining it as a Jeju dialect expression meaning “bold and capable,” and said he believes Kim will do well.
The party previously recruited attorney Jeon Tae-jin from Ulsan as its first pick and on April 20 gave him a strategic nomination in Ulsan Nam-gap. It then recruited Ha Jeong-woo, former senior presidential secretary for AI future planning, and Jeon Eun-su, former presidential spokesperson, as picks No. 2 and No. 3, respectively.
Jeong said the party plans to continue recruiting. After visiting Deokpung Traditional Market in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, the day before, he told reporters that after the third recruitment event there was a “99.9%” chance of adding one more person, saying he had someone in mind.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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