Kim Mingyu ('23, Economics) is a name that has been gaining attention in the political sphere. In 2021, as a high school student, he participated in the first competition for the spokesperson public recruitment program of the People Power Party (PPP). His remarkable performance during the competition earned him recognition, even though he finished in eighth place. Currently, Kim Mingyu is a freshman at Korea University (KU), where he is passionately pursuing his larger dream of becoming an influential politician. With a promising start in politics and a strong academic foundation, many are keeping an eye on his future endeavors, wondering if he will continue to make an impact in the political landscape.

Kim, a promising young politician and talented writer, co-authored the book I Am the Representative of People Power Party (2021). His inclusion as a teenager in the project brought diverse perspectives from different generations to the forefront. Throughout the book, Kim emphasizes the value of coexistence, recognizing the conflicts between generations and parties. His goal as a leader is to understand different viewpoints and find common ground through meaningful conversations about Korean society, all in pursuit of a better nation. The Granite Tower (GT) conducted an in-depth interview with Kim to explore his life and vision

GT: What inspired you to participate in the Spokesperson Public Recruitment program of the PPP?

Kim: In Korea’s political history, individual influence within parties has been passive, with roles often determined by powerful unilateral appointments rather than merit-based selection. However, PPP’s former chair Lee Jun-seok’s bold pledge challenged this norm. He proposed a new approach where the spokesperson would be chosen based on their ability to compete in a TV debate against members of other parties, disregarding age or gender. This move garnered public enthusiasm, including my own, as we were eager for a change from the party’s chronic inertia.

The party’s open audition, fueled by its strong national vision, genuine commitment to reform, and the promise of a meaningful political role, captivated me. I realized that personal connections and appearances held no weight in becoming the PPP’s spokesperson; instead, the key was to effectively convey clear and convincing messages on social and political issues. This potential for positive change in Korean politics motivated me to take on the challenge and participate in the recruitment program.

GT: How did you feel about being the only high school student among the participants and finishing in eighth place in the Spokesperson Public Recruitment program?

Kim: Looking back, I consider it an experience and outcome that was more significant than I could have ever imagined. I participated without placing great expectations on myself. Amidst the competition with prominent talents in Korean society, such as lawyers, journalists, and chief executive officers (CEOs), what I sought was not a high rank but a broader perspective of the world. Having only participated in a few on-campus debate competitions, the opportunity to openly discuss my thoughts on social and political landscapes in front of the public was truly precious. Even now, I occasionally dream about the exhilarating moment when I received the call confirming my advancement to the round of 16 after the interview.

When it was confirmed that I came in eighth place during the live broadcast at the broadcasting station, the first emotion I felt was a sense of relief. As my final high school exams were scheduled just nine days later, I could now focus solely on my studies without distractions, and that put my mind at ease. On the other hand, there was also a sense of anticipation. Witnessing the brilliance and excellence of my fellow competitors, I was genuinely looking forward to the new tomorrow within the conservative party alongside these individuals.

GT: What do you think is the most pressing issue in South Korea’s political landscape currently, and how would you address it?

Kim: In my opinion, the most pressing problem in politics today is the issue of nomination power. With the general election approaching in about six months, over 80 percent of the unsettling actions by politicians stem from a skewed nomination process. During election seasons, party representatives form nomination committees that decide the placement of candidates. As a result, politicians prioritize catching the eye of party leadership over public issues, leading to disingenuous behavior and extreme rhetoric.

This repetitive spectacle every four years is deteriorating South Korea’s political culture. Some may criticize the idea of transparent nomination power as idealistic, but addressing this chronic problem is essential. As part of the Establish a Party Rightly organization, I am working with around 7,000 like-minded individuals to issue statements and communicate with politicians for institutional improvements. It is time to sound the alarm and put an end to petty calculations, focusing instead on creating fair opportunities in acquiring power.

GT: What are your future plans at KU, and where do you see yourself in the next five years?

Kim: At KU, I want to meet a diverse array of people. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and environments, but what binds us together is our tenacious approach to life. I have the urge to connect with others, engage in conversations, and expand my understanding of the world I have known. Also, I aim to diligently manage my grades, participate in clubs and activities, and have a wonderful college life.

In five years, I envision a future filled with numerous possibilities, where I will explore how I can best contribute to society and our community. These paths include becoming a lawyer, starting a business, or running a small shop with my parents. Until I establish myself in my field, I will refrain from politics to ensure financial stability and expertise in community contributions. However, if a clear political calling comes my way in the distant future, I will choose the path of becoming a conservative politician. Beyond this, I want to safeguard the dreams of children in remote villages, protect struggling families in redevelopment areas, and nurture the well-being of those facing difficult circumstances.