Yongsan’s Future: How Candidate Kim Hyung-seok Plans to Transform It into a Global Luxury City

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[Herald Business=Senior Reporter Park Jong-il] At 2 p.m. on the 31st, Kim Hyung-seok held a press conference at his campaign office. He expressed concern over signs of internal party conflict and urged conservatives to unite in Yongsan, a politically symbolic battleground.

Kim emphasized that Yongsan—where he has lived for more than 20 years—faces major projects, including the international business district development, the creation of Yongsan Park, and the burial of key rail lines. He said transforming Yongsan into a world-class city requires an administrator with deep national government experience and international expertise.

Kim said he has been urged by associates to run for Yongsan district mayor as the Democratic Party appears ready to nominate a heavyweight to leverage the district’s symbolic value. Citing his experience as a vice minister in central government and his broad election experience, he said he feels a duty to defend Yongsan against the Democratic candidate.

He explained that he delayed active campaigning while the party considered whether to readmit incumbent Yongsan Mayor Park Hee-young, saying it was proper to defer out of respect for a sitting mayor managing district affairs.

“Now is the time to take a more active role for Yongsan’s future,” he said. “I will do everything in my power to improve residents’ quality of life, advance Yongsan’s key projects steadily, and help the district become a world-class city representing Seoul.”

At an earlier campaign launch, Kim unveiled his vision, “Yongsan’s Dream: A Global Premium City.” The plan calls for building urban infrastructure and expanding transit networks; making Yongsan a place where everyone—from children to seniors—can live well; developing Yongsan as a global city; and reinventing the Yongsan Electronics Market.

Kim graduated from Suncheon High School in South Jeolla Province and earned an English degree from Seoul National University. He entered public service after passing the 32nd national administrative exam and has held senior roles at the Ministry of Unification, including spokesperson, unification secretary in the presidential office, and vice minister of unification.