Minjoo recruits former Army General as third general election talent... Kim Byung-joo "Will build a strong military"

Former Army General Kim Byung-joo

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] The Democratic Party of Korea has recruited former ROK-US Combined Forces Command Deputy Commander (Army General) Kim Byung-joo as a talent for this year's general election. Former General Kim stated, "I am starting politics to build a stronger military," and added, "I will support defense reform that streamlines our military through laws and systems."

On the morning of the 2nd, Democratic Party leader Lee Hae-chan held a press conference of the Talent Recruitment Committee at the National Assembly and announced that former General Kim was recruited as the third talent for the general election.

As a representative of the Korean military who was responsible for the ROK-US Combined Forces Command, former General Kim served as Deputy Chief of Strategic Planning at the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Republic of Korea, Commander of the 30th Mechanized Infantry Division, Commander of the Army Missile Command, Commander of the 3rd Army Corps, and Deputy Commander of the ROK-US Combined Forces Command. He was the first four-star general promoted under the Moon Jae-in administration and the first four-star general from the Missile Command.

The Democratic Party's Talent Recruitment Committee explained the reason for recruitment, stating, "Former General Kim was appointed Deputy Commander of the ROK-US Combined Forces Command in 2017 and is evaluated as having built the best-ever ROK-US military security alliance. He is recognized as a security expert with a vision for a global strong military."

They also added, "Vincent K. Brooks, former Commander of United States Forces Korea, who remains like a brother to him due to their connection at that time, sent a letter expressing confidence that 'Patriot Kim's entry into politics will greatly contribute to Korean politics,' encouraging and congratulating his joining the Democratic Party."

The recruitment committee also introduced anecdotes from former General Kim's military service. According to the Democratic Party, during his time as an officer, he invited discharged soldiers to his home and served them 'Dakbokkeumtang' (spicy braised chicken) made by his wife. As a general, he opened the brigade commander's residence as a rest area for soldiers, eliminating barriers within the military base and fostering a communicative atmosphere, earning him a reputation as a 'virtuous commander.'

At the press conference, former General Kim said, "The reason I decided to enter politics is for a stronger Republic of Korea, stronger security, and a stronger military," adding, "Today, I start politics with the honor of a Korean soldier in my heart."

He stated, "Security policies that are only verbal, policies made without proper understanding of the military, and blind alliance policies that shake the foundation of the ROK-US alliance are unacceptable," and said, "With accumulated experience, I will strengthen the foundation of the solid ROK-US security alliance starting from the National Assembly."

He continued, "Through politics, I intend to create laws and systems that build stronger security and a stronger military for the Republic of Korea," and said, "I will support defense reform that streamlines our military and builds a strong military through laws and systems."

Former General Kim was born in 1962 in Yecheon, Gyeongbuk (age 58). He graduated from Gangneung High School in Gangwon Province and the Korea Military Academy (40th class). He later earned a master's degree in Business Administration from Chonnam National University and a doctorate in Diplomacy from Kyonggi University. He concluded his 39-year military career after serving as Deputy Commander of the ROK-US Combined Forces Command from August 2017 to April 2019.

The Democratic Party plans to announce about 10 more talent recruitments before the Lunar New Year holiday following former General Kim. The party announced Professor Choi Hye-young as the first talent recruitment on the 26th of last month and Won Jong-geon on the 29th.