Why Is Former National Security Deputy Director and Trade Expert Kim Hyunjong Missing? [Current Affairs Show]

Kim Hyunjong, Once Considered for Key Role, Remains Out of Sight, Raising Questions
Strong Opposition from Foreign and Trade Ministries May Have Played a Part
Speculation Grows Over Possible 'Presidential Advisor' Role

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Wi Sunglak, Director of the National Security Office, was urgently dispatched to the United States on July 20. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yooncheol and Trade Minister Yeo Hankoo are scheduled to hold a '2+2 Trade Consultation' in the United States on July 25. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeonggwan are also planning trips to the United States. As the countdown for tariff negotiations begins, there is a flurry of activity. However, one face is missing: Kim Hyun Jong, former Deputy Director of the National Security Office. It has been a month since news about him-such as speculation about his early return or his likely appointment as a special advisor on foreign affairs and security-has disappeared. What happened?

Kim Hyunjong, the newly appointed National Security Advisor, is looking at Lee Jaemyung, the party leader, during the appointment ceremony held before the Democratic Party of Korea's Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly on February 7. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

After joining the Democratic Party in February, Kim was appointed as Foreign Affairs and Security Advisor to party leader Lee Jaemyung. On April 18, he was named head of the Democratic Party's Trade Security Task Force, established to respond to the tariff policies of the Donald Trump administration in the United States. A graduate of Columbia Law School, he has served as a member of the WTO Appellate Body and as Trade Minister, earning a reputation as a leading trade expert.

At the age of 45, he served as Trade Minister in the Roh Moo Hyun administration, playing a key role in the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. He later worked as head of overseas legal affairs at Samsung Electronics and as a professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, building expertise in trade negotiations and international commerce across both public and private sectors. He returned as Trade Minister under the Moon Jae In administration and also served as Deputy Director of the National Security Office. He was responsible for the renegotiation of the Korea-US FTA and the termination of the Korea-Japan General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA). During the last presidential election, he supported Lee Jaemyung as a campaign speaker and on television broadcasts. On May 8, at the height of the campaign, he traveled to the United States to meet with officials from the Trump administration.

Within political circles, there are reports that "the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy strongly opposed" his appointment. A senior Democratic Party lawmaker said, "It seems that Kim's major dispute with then-Foreign Minister Kang Kyungwha in 2019 has had an impact." The two reportedly had a heated argument in English, and at the time, there were already concerns that Kim's working style caused friction with other departments.

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There has also been talk about 'teamwork.' Kim is known for his strong drive, but sometimes the process can be less than smooth, regardless of the results. Given the current differences in perspective between the security team and those handling trade and security, some question whether he can work well with Wi Sunglak, Director of the National Security Office, and Kim Jeonggwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy. Not all reviews of his trip to the United States in May have been positive. Some have focused on changes in the trade environment and the different approach of the second Trump administration compared to the first. After Kim reemerged, Japanese media published articles highlighting his opposition to the Korea-Japan FTA and his leadership in terminating the Korea-Japan GSOMIA, emphasizing his 'anti-Japan' stance.

Nevertheless, President Lee's trust in Kim reportedly remains strong. For this reason, it is expected that Kim will play a role in the Lee Jaemyung administration in some capacity. While there is speculation that he could become ambassador to the United States, it is considered more likely that he will serve as a presidential advisor.

Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate (right), is shaking hands with Kim Hyun Jong, former Deputy Director of the National Security Office, at his first campaign rally at Cheonggye Plaza in Seoul on May 12. Photo by Kim Hyun Min