"Fully Booked Every Day, Thought I'd Build a Building Soon"... Kim Bu-gyeom's Afterstory of Running a BBQ Restaurant

Appeared on TV Chosun's "Sikgaek Heo Young-man's Baekban Journey"
"I thought I would make a lot of money, but closed after two years"

Former Prime Minister Kim Bu-gyeom, who recently hinted at the possibility of running in the presidential election, revealed a story about his failed barbecue restaurant while reflecting on his political career.

Kim appeared as a guest on TV Chosun's "Sikgaek Heo Young-man's Baekban Journey" aired on the 26th, embarking on a dining journey to Naju, Jeollanam-do. During the broadcast, Heo Young-man asked Kim why he chose Naju, saying, "Is your electoral district around Naju?" Kim replied, "Brother, not everything politicians do translates into votes. That is not the truth."

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum is greeting employees after the farewell ceremony held on May 12, 2022, at the Government Seoul Office on Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

Regarding his choice of Naju, Kim explained, "I lost many elections. Then everything became bothersome, and I wanted to go somewhere where I didn't know anyone." He added, "It was around the time when pear blossoms were in full bloom, and maybe because of that, I felt vitality. I was very depressed after losing, but seeing the pear blossoms gave me courage and confidence."

Kim, whose hometown is Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, also revealed the reactions of the TK (Daegu-Gyeongbuk) locals when he joined the Democratic Party. He said, "The elders in my family said, 'If you're going to join the opposition anyway, wouldn't it be better to go to Kim Young-sam's party for hope?' Then, naturally, I was appointed as the deputy spokesperson for the Democratic Party led by Chairman Kim Dae-jung."

Former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum is talking with cartoonist Heo Young-man. TV Chosun 'Gourmet Heo Young-man's Baekban Journey' capture

Kim also recalled the past when he and other defeated Democratic Party lawmakers opened a barbecue restaurant called "Harodongseon" in the heart of Gangnam. "Harodongseon (夏爐冬扇)" means "summer brazier and winter fan," symbolizing the defeated lawmakers waiting for their day to be called again. He said, "Since I couldn't invest like my seniors, I was told to be the promoter, so I took on the role of sales manager." He reminisced, "At first, I thought we would quickly build a building. Every day, all 40 tables were full. It was packed day after day."

When Heo Young-man pointed out, "That was the honeymoon period," Kim bitterly replied, "Not knowing that, we kept thinking it would do well. We thought we would make a lot of money, but we closed after two years." Then Heo comforted him, saying, "It seems there is always a shadow behind politicians' moves," and Kim said, "It was a valuable experience for us."

Meanwhile, in a recent interview with a media outlet, Kim hinted at the possibility of running for president, saying, "If I have to take the lead, I will." In political circles, there is a growing opinion that Kim could serve as a rallying point for the non-mainstream faction within the party.