Lee Jae-myung's Peace and Security Architect Kim Tae-sung, Swift Moves to Take Over Seo Sam-seok's Stronghold

Former Army Division Commander, PhD in Public Administration... An Elite Combining Military and Civil Expertise

"Will Remove Obstacles to Regional Development and Devote to Building Local Communities"

Kim Tae-seong, a former army division commander and an elite soldier with a doctorate in public administration, has taken his first step into politics, recently announcing his candidacy in Yeongam, Muan, and Sinan, stating, “I will lead the way in security policies that are not swayed by the regime and in revitalizing the people’s economy.”

Kim, who played a key role as a peace and security architect in Lee Jae-myung’s presidential campaign, is emerging as a dark horse in Yeongam, Muan, and Sinan, drawing significant attention.

Preliminary candidate Kim Tae-seong running in the Jeonnam Yeongam, Muan, and Sinan districts [Photo by Kim Tae-seong Election Office]

In an interview with Asia Economy on the 7th, Kim Tae-seong said, “The economy is struggling in the quagmire of low growth, but the political sphere is ignoring the desperate voices of the people and is only actively working to maintain their vested interests. I will revive the livelihood of the people and reform politics so that clear water flows continuously.”

Having served as a peace and security architect in the presidential campaign of Lee Jae-myung from the Democratic Party during the 20th presidential election, he promised, “I will focus on creating a Democratic Party peace and security policy that does not change according to the tastes of the regime, a party more competent in livelihood issues, and a Democratic Party that is more proactive in addressing national challenges such as low birth rates.”

He also revealed a differentiated strategy for his pledges. “The 3rd Fleet is stationed in Yeongam. In the border areas of Gangwon-do or Gyeonggi-do, although the main food is purchased from Nonghyup, all other local foods are bought by the military units. However, this is not the case here,” he said. “Through agreements, we need to ensure that people buy and consume local products here in Yeongam. I will strive to align national institutions to support what suits Yeongam, Muan, and Sinan.”

Regarding the halt in the promotion of offshore wind power, the largest pending project in Jeonnam, he said, “The offshore wind power project is currently stalled due to administrative errors. The problem lies in radio interference caused by height restrictions. I need to meet with the Minister and Vice Minister of National Defense to resolve this. I can personally guarantee the radar radio interference conditions required by the Ministry of National Defense. If that happens, the military residents will receive compensation,” adding, “If I am elected, I will do the job properly and speed up the process.”

On the issue of the integration and relocation of the civilian and military airports in Muan, a major topic in the region, Kim was the first among the candidates to express support recently. He said, “If the military airport is established, 10,000 people will come, including 5,000 soldiers and 5,000 military families. If an aircraft maintenance repair organization (MRO) is also established, it will help increase the population.” He emphasized, “At Gimpo Airport, domestic and international flights are delayed by 90 days for maintenance. For pilots, time is money. We need to bring this maintenance to Muan Airport as soon as possible.”

He continued, “As far as I know, this is a project worth over 10 trillion won. The population influx effect is significant, and it will create another metropolitan city. Then the population will quickly reach 150,000,” adding, “It can also prevent population decline in the southwestern region and revolutionize the southwestern economy. That is what Muan Airport can do.”

Kim predicted, “By linking the airport with tourism, MICE industries, casino industries, and retirement residential complexes, and by holding regular festivals utilizing excellent natural environments and agricultural and marine products, the area will grow into a tourist resort with the three essentials of sightseeing, food, and entertainment, becoming a region preferred even more than Jeju Island.”

Finally, he reiterated, “If I become a member of the National Assembly, I will mobilize all my capabilities to remove all the obstacles that have accumulated over a long time to regional development and devote myself to building a vibrant community where residents’ lives are enriched.”

Kim, a native of Imja, Sinan, Jeonnam, graduated from Imja Middle School, Gwangju Salesian High School, and the Korea Military Academy (44th class). After serving as the commander of the 11th Division, he retired early to support candidate Lee Jae-myung. Although a former general, Kim earned a doctorate in public administration. In Lee Jae-myung’s presidential campaign, he played a leading role in drafting peace and security policies as the secretary and vice chairman of the Defense Policy Committee of the Peace and Prosperity Committee.