Kim Minseok on Rumors of Kang Hoonsik as Seoul Mayoral Candidate: "All-Around Next-Generation Leader... A Future of Possibilities Is Open to Him"

"Lim Kwang-hyun Is a Quietly Powerful Choice"

Kim Minseok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, praised former presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik as an “all-around next-generation leader,” saying that “a future full of possibilities is open to him, and he can do anything.” His remarks were seen as leaving open the possibility of Kang taking on a political role, including running for Seoul mayor.

Kim appeared on the Democratic Party’s YouTube program “Minty07” on Oct. 15 and said Kang was “a nationally recognized figure whose abilities have been proven and who is trusted both inside and outside the party.” He added, “I imagine [Kang] wants to take a short break and spend some time reflecting and learning, but I’m not sure how much time he’ll be allowed.”

Kim Minseok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, delivers opening remarks at a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly on Oct. 14, 2026. Photo by Yoon Dongju.

The possibility of Kang running for Seoul mayor had also been mentioned in a note by Kim. In Kim’s notebook, photographed in the National Assembly plenary chamber on Sept. 9, the words “Seoul mayoral candidates” appeared above the names “Hoon-sik, Won-sik, Cheong-rae.”

On Lim Kwang-hyun, who was appointed presidential chief of staff the previous day, Kim said, “After careful consideration, it’s an excellent appointment,” adding that “it may come as a surprise to many, but in reality, he is a strong candidate who works quietly.” Kim cited Lim’s experience in both the party and government, having served as a member of the National Assembly and commissioner of the National Tax Service, among his strengths.

The Democratic Party also welcomed Lim’s appointment in an official statement the previous day. Senior spokesperson Park Sung-joon said Lim was “the right person to accelerate government achievements through cooperation among the ruling party, the government and the presidential office, given his broad experience in both the National Assembly and the government.” On Kang, Park said, “Through 499 days of tireless effort, he supported President Lee Jae-myung in tackling the grave challenges of overcoming the insurrection and restoring the economy, while laying the foundation for the People’s Sovereignty Government.”

Floor leader Han Byung-do also praised Lim as “a talented person whose abilities have been proven in both the government and the National Assembly” at a meeting on strategies for parliamentary audits that day. Addressing Kang, he said Kang had “played a pivotal role in restoring the presidential office, which had been like a grave, and reviving hope for an irreplaceable South Korea,” adding that he hoped Kang would take on another role in the future.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.