Jo Young-nam on "Why did you become right-wing?" question... Kim Heung-guk says "Because of Jeong Mong-jun"

"Chung Mong-joon Asked, 'If I Run for President, Will You Help Me?'"
"Appointed as a Closest Aide... That's When I Became a 'Right-Wing Singer'"

Singers Jo Young-nam (left) and Kim Heung-guk (right). YouTube channel 'Hwagejang Talk Jo Young-nam'

Singer Kim Heung-guk, known as a 'conservative right-wing entertainer,' revealed that his political orientation was influenced by Chung Mong-joon, chairman of the Asan Foundation.

On the 22nd, a video titled "Yeongnam, Heung-guk is Alive in the Republic of Korea" was uploaded to the YouTube channel 'Hwagejangtok Jo Young-nam.' In the video, Kim Heung-guk and Jo Young-nam shared a meal at a restaurant and had a conversation. Jo Young-nam mentioned their past experience as radio DJs together and said, "The fact that this guy is alive in Korea means our country is very generous," adding, "God is truly merciful."

Jo Young-nam then asked him, "Why did you become right-wing? Since when?" Kim Heung-guk replied, "Because of Chairman Chung Mong-joon," and said, "This is the first time I'm talking about it, but I was first appointed as the head of the publicity committee by Chairman Lee Hoi-chang. Honestly, I didn't know much about politics." He continued, "Suddenly, Chairman Chung Mong-joon called me and said, 'Let's go to Jirisan.' We went together, and when we reached the summit, he asked me, 'If you run for president, will you help me?' I said, 'I have been appointed as the head of the publicity committee on that side,' and he told me to 'explain well and organize it.' So, I created 'National Unity 21.' I was appointed as a close aide and special advisor. From then on, I became a 'right-wing singer,'" he explained. Additionally, Kim Heung-guk mentioned, "Politics is scary. If you choose the wrong side, you have to take a five-year break," and added, "You have to keep a low profile."

Kim Heung-guk is giving a greeting at the meeting of celebrity volunteer groups supporting the 2024 general election held at the People Power Party Central Party Office in Yeouido, Seoul, in June last year. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

On the 2nd, Kim Heung-guk attended the 'Protest Against the Illegal Arrest of President Yoon' held near the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. He took the stage and said, "Even in this cold weather, conservatives have gathered for President Yoon," and opened with, "I'm really sorry I haven't been able to come out until now." He continued, "I am attacked every day on YouTube," and lamented, "'Horangnabi' (Kim Heung-guk's song) is called 'Gyeomnabi,' and some even call it 'Nae-rannabi,' so I can't live like this."

He then emphasized, "I don't know why Korea has become like this. Is this even a country?" and stressed, "If we unite a little more and come together, we can save the Republic of Korea." He also said, "I am a Marine Corps veteran. I learned that when the country is in trouble and the people are struggling, the Republic of Korea Marine Corps takes the lead in protecting the country," and shouted, "I respect and love those who shout for legal martial law and nullification of impeachment. You are the owners of Korea." Finally, he praised President Yoon, saying, "In the past two and a half years, where is a president who has done as well as this person?" On the 20th, when a netizen asked for his opinion on the Seoul Western District Court disturbance, he defended the protesters, saying, "Don't ask me. They expressed themselves as part of liberal democracy because they were furious."