[Political Reset] What "Hunsik Hyung and Hyunji Noona" Really Reveal

"Yes, hyung. I'll recommend it to Hunsik and Hyunji noona." This remark, revealed on December 2 by former Presidential Office Digital Communications Secretary Kim Namguk, illustrates several aspects of power. Kim was not just one of the 50 secretaries; he is a university junior and close confidant of President Lee Jaemyung, belonging to the inner circle known as the "Group of Seven." Their relationship is so close that Kim served as chief aide during the president's primary campaign. He is considered one of the advisers with whom the president feels most comfortable, and to whom he can speak most freely. In a presidential system, power derives not from one's position, but from one's proximity to the president. This is why attention on Kim extends far beyond his secretary-level title. Kim stood at the center of power.

He effectively confirmed the existence of "two key power players": Chief of Staff Kang Hunsik and First Aide Kim Hyunji. The mention of "two key power players" conjures up an image of a dual power structure within the Presidential Office. Moon Jinseok, a Democratic Party lawmaker (and Deputy Floor Leader, also a member of the Group of Seven), said, "If I make the recommendation, Chief Kang Hunsik will oppose it, so why don't you, as my junior, recommend it instead?" Kim Hyunji was not mentioned in this conversation. So why did Kim Namguk bring up "Hyunji noona," whom Moon did not even mention? Given Kim's deep familiarity with the internal structure of power, there must be a reason he brought up "Hyunji noona." This is why there is widespread talk that "the real power lies with Kim Hyunji." While Chief Kang oversees the secretariat and chairs the personnel committee, Kim Hyunji, who has no official role in personnel matters, is said to wield significant influence over appointments. The message reveals an uncomfortable truth.

The "Moon Jinseok text message scandal" has made Chief Kang and Senior Political Affairs Secretary Woo Sangho appear powerless. On November 6, during a National Assembly audit, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Gipyo asked Chief Kang, "What do you think about the criticism that a specific individual holds real power over appointments?" Kang replied, "As chair of the personnel committee, I conduct everything transparently and democratically. I cannot agree with that assessment," adding, "I am just one of 50 secretaries, yet I am being excessively targeted." Woo Sangho stated, "Is it really the privilege of lawmakers to gather all the rumors circulating in the streets and use them to undermine someone's character? The real power is Chief of Staff Kang Hunsik." Yet, both of their responses seem powerless before "Hyunji noona."

The phrase "Hunsik hyung, Hyunji noona, Chung-Ang University alumni" evokes the idea of "family power." When personal ties become linked to official work relationships, the system becomes meaningless, replaced by an exclusive inner circle. Even before this, there were widespread claims that the "Seongnam-Gyeonggi line" and the "president's lawyers" had seized the core of power in the Presidential Office. Moreover, the president of the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association, at the center of this controversy, is a purely private sector position over which the government has no authority. Yet this incident revealed that the influence of the Presidential Office extends even to such positions. On December 3, the Presidential Office announced, "We have issued a stern warning to the internal staff member who inappropriately conveyed inaccurate information, as a matter of public service discipline." No names were disclosed, and no official disciplinary action was taken.

Unchecked power lacks brakes. That is its nature. The phrase "Hunsik hyung, Hyunji noona" is a powerful signal that the Presidential Office, too, needs healthy checks and balances. Although the Presidential Office belatedly accepted Kim's resignation, the warning light is already on. To prevent the red light from flashing, the president must quickly appoint the special inspector-a legal red team and a promise made to the public.