[Lee Jaemyung Three Musketeers]③ Kang Hoon-sik, the All-Around Libero with Rising Political Stature

Rising Prominence as a Leading Figure of the "97 Group"
Potential Roles Beyond "Seoul Mayor"

Editor's NotePresident Lee Jaemyung has his own "Three Musketeers": Prime Minister Kim Minseok, Assemblyman Park Chandae, and Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik. The year 2026 will be a crucial turning point, determining whether a stable foundation can be established for the second half of his term. Both local elections and the Democratic Party convention are scheduled. The way President Lee utilizes these three individuals, who are interchangeable in their roles, could significantly influence the outcome of the local elections and the political landscape. This is why the actions of the "Lee Jaemyung Three Musketeers" are drawing attention. ① Kim Minseok ② Park Chandae ③ Kang Hoon-sik

There has never been a Chief of Staff quite like this before. Considering that the unwritten rule was "advisors remain silent," the change is striking. Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik operates like an all-around libero. He gives interviews to the media to clarify the administration's positions and announces key policy agendas. He sometimes travels ahead of President Lee Jaemyung's overseas visits to coordinate important issues. Serving as the President's Special Envoy for Strategic Economic Cooperation, he has visited major defense export partners such as Poland and the United Arab Emirates. He is displaying a level of visibility and activity unprecedented for a Chief of Staff, moving swiftly from one place to another. As a result, his political stature has also grown.

Kang, a leading figure of the so-called "97 Group" (those born in the 1970s who attended university in the 1990s), was not previously considered a core member of the pro-Lee camp before becoming Chief of Staff. However, President Lee, having observed Kang's work as Director of Political Coordination and Director of the General Situation Room during the presidential campaign, took notice of him early on. With his political judgment, logical reasoning, and communication skills, Kang had also been active as a broadcast panelist in the past. When Kang, who began his political career in 2004 with former leader Sohn Hak-kyu, gave up his stable third-term seat in the National Assembly to become Chief of Staff, it was seen as a significant political decision. By joining forces with the "Lee Jaemyung faction," despite his weak affiliation with any particular group, Kang revealed his own political ambitions.

Kang Hoon-sik, Chief Presidential Secretary (left), is greeting Kim Hyun-chul, Chairman of the Kim Young-sam Foundation, at the memorial ceremony for the 10th anniversary of the late President Kim Young-sam's passing, held on the 21st at the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

This context helps explain President Lee Jaemyung's consideration for Kang. President Lee entrusts Kang with responsibilities akin to those of a "Minister without Portfolio," ensuring he can play a substantial role. Media interviews, policy announcements, and special envoy assignments-roles that put the Chief of Staff in the public eye-are only possible with a high degree of trust. The frequent comment within the presidential office about their "high level of synchronicity" seems to stem from the fact that President Lee and Kang share similar perspectives, terminology, and approaches to work.

A senior Democratic Party official reported that President Lee, who is highly interested in the local elections, once asked Kang during a conversation, "What about South Chungcheong Province?" This suggests that Kang is unlikely to run for governor of South Chungcheong. Perhaps for this reason, speculation has arisen about his potential candidacy for Seoul mayor. However, many question this possibility, as Kang has no special ties to Seoul and is known primarily as a political and strategic expert. His future may also depend on changes in Prime Minister Kim Minseok's position. As one of the politicians representing the Chungcheong region, Kang's moves are also drawing attention in relation to the future presidential race.