[Current Affairs Show] The Diverging Fates of Kang Kyungwha and Kim Hyun-chong

April 2019: Kang Kyungwha and Kim Hyun-chong Clash in English
Both Are Fluent in English, but Their Personalities Differ
Strong Resistance to Kim Hyun-chong Both Within the Foreign Ministry and the Ruling Party

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On August 18, Kang Kyungwha, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, was nominated as the next Ambassador to the United States. Until now, about four candidates had been considered for the post: former Minister Kang, Im Sungnam, former First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cho Byungjae, former President of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, and Kim Hyunjong, former Second Deputy Director of the National Security Office and a 'trade expert.' In particular, there was notable attention on whether Kim would be appointed. Although the likelihood was not high, the level of interest was significant. With the nomination of Kang, the strained relationship between Kang Kyungwha and Kim Hyunjong has come into the spotlight once again.

This is an image of Kang Kyungwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, nominated as the US Ambassador, attending as a panelist at the 2021 World Economic Forum's 'Davos Agenda Week High-Level Meeting.' Photo by Yonhap News

April 2019: Kang Kyungwha vs. Kim Hyunjong, a Dispute in English

In April 2019, during the Moon Jaein administration, the two had a major confrontation. On September 17 of that year, Kim posted a message on his social media account: "There are concerns about disagreements within the foreign affairs and security team, and I feel it is due to my own shortcomings. In the midst of turbulent international affairs, I was so eager to establish the best policies that I lost my composure. I will strive to be more humble and work harder in the future." This was the gist of his message.

The reason Kim posted this message was related to an incident in the National Assembly the previous day. On September 16, 2019, the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs, Security, and Unification Committee convened. Jeong Jinseok, a member of the Liberty Korea Party, questioned former Minister Kang: "Last April, when the President visited three Central Asian countries, did you and Deputy Director Kim Hyunjong have an argument in English?" Kang gave an unexpected answer: "I will not deny it." This was an admission that such an incident had occurred, which was a clear departure from the usual denials or vague responses. It symbolized just how poor the relationship between the two was. Afterwards, media outlets reported on the conflict between them, describing it as discord among senior officials in the foreign affairs team.

At that time, Kim, who was in charge of the President's overseas trip as the lead working-level official, reportedly reprimanded Foreign Ministry staff over the quality of documents prepared by the ministry. Kang opposed him, saying, "Don't treat our staff like that," and the two ended up arguing in English. It is widely known that Kim said, "It's my style!" during the exchange. The situation was even more sensitive because there were rumors at the time about Kim possibly being appointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Both Are Fluent English Speakers, but Their Personalities Differ

Both are known for their native-level English proficiency. Kang spent her childhood in the United States following her father, and earned her master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Massachusetts. She served as interpreter for former President Kim Daejung for three years and worked at the United Nations for about ten years. Kim, the son of a diplomat, spent his childhood in the United States and Japan. He graduated from Columbia University and earned a doctorate. It was even said that he dreamed in English. Their styles are also different: Kang is gentle and meticulous, while Kim is known for his bulldozer-like drive.

President Moon Jaein is encouraging Foreign Minister Kang Kyungwa to change seats before a commemorative photo with the newly appointed Ambassador of Oman to Korea at the Blue House on October 16, 2020. Photo by Yonhap News

Perhaps due to the rumors of conflict, President Moon Jaein replaced both officials on January 20, 2021. Kang, who was expected to serve out her term, stepped down as Foreign Minister, while Kim moved to a role as Special Advisor for Foreign Affairs and Security. Ko Minjung, a Democratic Party lawmaker who worked at the Blue House and observed the two closely, once commented, "Former Minister Kang shone, and Special Advisor Kim was unstoppable." She recalled, "When Japan's export restrictions became an issue, Kim's unhesitating response was memorable. I remember how fiercely he fought against Japan's attacks for several months."

Strong Opposition to Kim Hyunjong Both Inside and Outside the Foreign Ministry

The fates of Kang and Kim, who had a major confrontation, have diverged. Kang has become Ambassador to the United States, while Kim, once expected to take on a major role, has yet to be appointed to any public office. Why did this happen?

First, there is strong opposition to Kim within the Foreign Ministry. Many are put off by his forceful personality and "solo work style." This contrasts with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, who is a junior alumnus of Kang from Yonsei University's Department of Political Science and Diplomacy. When Cho served as Second Vice Minister, it was Kang who promoted him to First Vice Minister. This time, it is said that Cho recommended Kang for the ambassadorial post.

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Even within the ruling party, there do not seem to be many who are favorable toward Kim. A key Democratic Party official recently said, "Those who worked with Kim during the Moon Jaein administration shake their heads." He added that he was shocked to see Kim rebuke others in meetings attended even by the President.

The reactions from the United States and Japan are also not favorable. The United States previously expressed discomfort with Kim's active role in the termination of the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA). Japan, likewise, was critical in the media when Kim was appointed as a foreign affairs and security advisor during President Lee Jaemyung's tenure as party leader, likely due to his opposition to GSOMIA termination and export controls.

These factors have combined to make President Lee hesitant to appoint Kim to a key position. However, if circumstances change, there is still a possibility that Kim, the 'trade expert,' could return to the scene.