Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Sungbeom Kim Resigns... Expected to Run in Seogwipo By-election

Recently Announced Intention to Resign
Surprise Departure Ceremony Held Before Formal Acceptance

Sungbeom Kim, Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, held his departure ceremony on April 28. Kim is expected to run in the by-election for the National Assembly, which will be held alongside the nationwide local elections on June 3.

According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Vice Minister Kim held his departure ceremony at the ministry’s office in Dong-gu, Busan, on the morning of the 28th and stepped down from his public office.

Sungbeom Kim, Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries. Photo by The Asia Business Daily Database

According to the ministry and other sources, Vice Minister Kim recently submitted his resignation, but it has not yet been accepted. Public officials wishing to run in local elections must resign at least 90 days before the election. However, an exception allows candidates for by-elections to resign up to 30 days prior. This is why Kim proceeded with his departure ceremony before the formal acceptance of his resignation.

At the ceremony, Vice Minister Kim said farewell to his colleagues, reportedly expressing both regret and gratitude to staff members who worked hard during the relocation to Busan.

Vice Minister Kim is expected to run in the Seogwipo-si parliamentary by-election. Last weekend, he traveled to Jeju and attended the 'Seogoin Sports Festival,' signaling his intention to run. With Wi Seongon, the current Democratic Party lawmaker representing Seogwipo-si, set to resign on April 29 to run for Jeju Governor, Kim is expected to begin the process of joining the Democratic Party on the same day.

Born in Namwon-eup, Seogwipo-si, Vice Minister Kim graduated from Seogwipo High School and majored in public administration at Korea University. After passing the higher civil service exam upon graduation, he began his public service career in 1994. Within the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, he served in key positions, including Director General for Port Affairs, Director of the Incheon Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries, Director General for Maritime Policy, and policy chief. After the ministry’s relocation to Busan, he also acted on behalf of the minister, leading various follow-up initiatives.

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