Kim Youngbae, Former Blue House Official under Roh and Moon Administrations, Announces Seoul Mayoral Bid... Third Incumbent Lawmaker to Declare Candidacy

Kim Youngbae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, officially announced his candidacy on December 16 for the Democratic primary in the 9th nationwide local elections for Seoul mayor, scheduled for June 3 next year. Within the party, he is the third sitting lawmaker to declare an official run, following Park Hongkeun and Park Joomin.

Kim Youngbae, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

At a press conference held at Culture Station Seoul 284 in Jung-gu, Seoul, at 10:30 a.m. that day, Assemblyman Kim stated, "It is time to address the time inequality that arises as the gap between the outskirts and the center of Seoul, caused by the concentration of industries and jobs, leads to a 'time gap' for citizens." He added, "Based on my proven administrative skills and national policy experience, I will fundamentally transform Seoul."

Assemblyman Kim previously served as Secretary for Event Planning at the Blue House under the Roh Moo-hyun administration, and as Secretary for Civil Affairs and Policy Coordination under the Moon Jae-in administration. He is well known for introducing the nation's first eco-friendly free school meal program in 2010, during his tenure as mayor of Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, in the 5th and 6th popularly elected terms (2010-2018).

At the time, then-Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon opposed the full implementation of this policy and even pushed for a local referendum, which ultimately failed, leading to his resignation from office. Free school meals are now implemented nationwide and have become a representative achievement of universal welfare.

Subsequently, Assemblyman Kim was elected as a member of the National Assembly for the Seongbuk-gap district in both the 21st and 22nd terms.

The competition for the ruling bloc’s Seoul mayoral nomination is fiercer than ever. In addition to Park Hongkeun and Park Joomin, who have officially declared their candidacies, Seo Youngkyo and Jun Hyunhee have also expressed their intentions to run. Former lawmakers Park Yongjin and Hong Ikpyo are preparing to enter the race, and Jung Wono, the mayor of Seongdong-gu-who was recently elevated to national prominence after receiving public praise from President Lee Jaemyung-is also expected to run.