Minjoo Recruits Former Army General as General Election Talent... "A Leader Who Served Dakbokkeumtang to Soldiers"

Minju Holds Talent Recruitment Committee Press Conference on the Morning of the 2nd, Announces Recruitment of Former Army General Kim Byung-joo
Recruitment of Deputy Commander of ROK-US Combined Forces Command, Defense and Security Expert
Candidacy for Proportional Representation and Gangwon Region Not Yet Decided

Kim Byung-joo, the third recruit of the Democratic Party of Korea, a retired general, is receiving the party constitution and regulations booklet from Representative Lee Hae-chan after completing the party admission ceremony at the National Assembly on the 2nd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Wondara and Jeon Jinyoung] The Democratic Party of Korea has recruited former Lieutenant General Kim Byung-joo, former Deputy Commander of the ROK-US Combined Forces Command, as its third candidate for the general election. The Democratic Party cited Kim’s expertise in the ROK-US alliance and military elite development, as well as his reputation as a "deokjang" (a virtuous and respected leader), as reasons for his recruitment. The party leadership pledged victory in the general election, calling it "the final gateway to the success of the Moon Jae-in administration."

On the morning of the 2nd, at the third talent recruitment press conference held at the National Assembly, Democratic Party leader Lee Hae-chan said, "Former General Kim is an expert who has steadfastly led the ROK-US alliance," and added, "We expect him to take charge of defense and security policies effectively going forward."

Kim is the first four-star general promoted under the Moon Jae-in administration and the first four-star general to have served as commander of the Missile Command. He has held positions including Deputy Chief of Strategic Planning at the Joint Chiefs of Staff, 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.

The Democratic Party’s Talent Recruitment Committee explained the background of his recruitment, stating, "Former General Kim is recognized for building the best-ever ROK-US military security alliance during his tenure as Deputy Commander of the ROK-US Combined Forces Command and is regarded as a security expert with a vision for a global strong military."

He is also known to have a close relationship with former USFK Commander Vincent K. Brooks. According to the Democratic Party, Brooks sent a letter expressing, "I worked closely with former General Kim when we served as senior ROK-US generals at the Combined Forces Command," and "I am confident that patriot Kim’s entry into politics will greatly contribute to Korean politics."

Kim’s reputation as a "deokjang" was also cited as a reason for his recruitment. Previously, the Liberty Korea Party publicly announced former Army General Park Chan-joo as their first recruited talent, but it fell through due to a controversy over abuse of official residence privileges. The recruitment committee shared anecdotes from Kim’s active duty days, noting that as a GOP battery commander in Gangwon Province, he invited retired soldiers to his home and served them spicy braised chicken. Additionally, as a general, he opened his brigade commander’s official residence as a rest area for soldiers.

Kim expressed his aspiration to support the Democratic Party’s push for "military elite development." At the press conference, he said, "The reason I decided to enter politics is for a stronger Republic of Korea, stronger security, and a stronger military." He continued, "Through politics, I want to create laws and systems that build stronger security and a stronger military for Korea," adding, "I will back defense reform that develops an elite military and a strong force with laws and systems." He also stated, "Security policies that are only rhetoric, policies made without proper understanding of the military, and blind alliance policies that shake the foundation of the ROK-US alliance are unacceptable," and pledged, "With accumulated experience, I will work from the National Assembly to solidify the foundation of the ROK-US security alliance."

Kim’s electoral district has not been specifically decided. Kim Seong-hwan, chief secretary to the party leader, responded to a question about rumors of Kim running in Gangneung and the possibility of proportional representation by saying, "When recruiting talent, we did not secure commitments for proportional or district seats," and added, "Once the nomination management committee is formed and the strategic nomination team makes overall decisions, it will be finalized." He further stated, "We have not considered the Gangneung district."

On the same day, Democratic Party floor leader Lee In-young said at a policy coordination meeting at the National Assembly, "Victory in the general election is the final punctuation mark of the Candlelight Citizen Revolution and the last gateway to the success of the Moon Jae-in administration," and pledged, "We will advance toward election victory." He emphasized, "The continuation of electoral reform and prosecution reform legislation depends on the election results," and said, "We will reshape the fundamental framework that changes the world."

The Democratic Party plans to announce about 10 more talent recruits before the Lunar New Year holiday following former General Kim’s recruitment. Previously, on the 26th and 29th of last month, the party announced Professor Choi Hye-young and office worker Won Jong-geon as representatives of the disabled, women, and youth. The party also approached former judge Lee Tan-hee, who exposed the judicial administrative power abuse allegations during the Yang Seung-tae judiciary, and Professor Lee Soo-jung of Kyonggi University, a criminal psychology expert, but reportedly did not receive positive responses. Chief Secretary Kim said, "Some are still considering. It is not yet finalized."