Park Wonseok Says, "I Introduced Kim Hyunji, Sangmyung University Class of '93, to President Lee"

It has been revealed that Kim Hyunji, Chief of the First Secretariat of the Presidential Office and a key aide to President Lee Jaemyung, has maintained a relationship with President Lee for over 27 years, having entered Sangmyung University in 1993 and first meeting him in March 1998.

Kim Hyunji, Chief of the First Secretariat of the Presidential Office. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Park Wonseok, former lawmaker of the Justice Party, stated in a media interview on October 1, "Around March 1998, I first introduced Kim Hyunji, now Chief of the Secretariat, to Lee Jaemyung, who was then a lawyer active in Seongnam." He added, "While preparing for a civic movement and searching for a space to work, I was connected with President Lee, who was also active in Seongnam at the time."

He continued, "After hearing that someone was looking for people in Seongnam, I received an introduction from juniors and connected them with Kim Hyunji. The first meeting included President Lee, members of the Seongnam Citizens' Association, Kim Hyunji, and myself, making four of us who met for the first time in Yangjae." After this meeting, Kim Hyunji began her activities with the Seongnam Citizens' Association.

Regarding Kim Hyunji's academic background, it was explained, "She entered Sangmyung University in 1993 and graduated in February 1998." It is reported that she established her connection with President Lee immediately after graduating from university and has since continued to serve by his side. Sangmyung University transitioned to a coeducational institution in 1996 and changed its name accordingly.

The People Power Party has recently demanded that Kim Hyunji, considered one of President Lee's closest aides, appear at the National Assembly audit and that her personal information be disclosed. The Presidential Office has stated that she could attend if requested by the National Assembly, but drew a line at disclosing her personal details, citing privacy protection.

Previously, Kim Jangkyum, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, raised suspicions that Kim Hyunji was a graduate of the landscape architecture department at Shingu University and a prot?g? of Korea Forest Service Chief Kim Inho, suggesting she may have exerted influence during his appointment process. However, Chief Kim's side refuted this, stating, "I have never taught her, and this is clearly false information."