A concert conceived and headlined by controversial media personality Kim Eo-jun drew a high-powered audience last week, including former President Moon Jae-in and several current and former political heavyweights. The event, pointedly titled “The Powerful,” ran for three days at a major resort venue and was directed by Tak Hyun-min, a former Blue House protocol secretary under Moon. Kim and Tak had staged a similar performance at the same location in April last year, just ahead of the parliamentary elections.
On stage, Moon addressed Kim directly, saying, “Call me hyung-nim” (a respectful Korean term for “older brother”), to which Kim replied with a deferential “hyung-nim” in return—a moment that underscored the enduring camaraderie within the progressive political ecosystem, now reunited under the stage lights.
Kim’s concerts are, at their core, commercial ventures. He is said to have earned billions of won from supporter-backed ticket sales. That in itself has not drawn controversy. What has raised questions is the lineup of attendees: a former president facing bribery charges, the Lee Jae-myung administration’s first prime minister nominee, the sitting speaker of the National Assembly, and a leading candidate for ruling party leadership—all appearing at an event led by a media figure known for peddling discredited claims.
Kim is no stranger to controversy. Over the years, he has promoted conspiracy theories ranging from claims that the South Korean warship Cheonan was not sunk by a North Korean torpedo to suggestions that the Sewol ferry disaster was a deliberate act. In the aftermath of the martial law declaration, he appeared in the National Assembly to float suspicions of political assassinations and U.S.-instigated strikes on the North.
Most of these theories lacked substantive evidence but found a receptive audience among parts of the Democratic Party base—expanding Kim’s influence and boosting his media profile. One party lawmaker, who had previously authored a report calling Kim’s content “highly fictional,” later appeared on his broadcast to issue an apology.
Moon, indicted in April on bribery charges related to the employment of his son-in-law, appeared at Kim’s event just ahead of his trial. His presence is widely seen as a signal to reconnect with core party supporters, among whom Kim retains significant sway.
The prime minister nominee, though drawn from the Democratic Party, is expected to represent national rather than partisan interests. The same standard applies to the National Assembly speaker, who formally left the party upon assuming the role to preserve institutional neutrality.
Their joint appearance at an event led by a polarizing figure raises questions about political optics and judgment—particularly at a time when both men are poised to help lead the executive and legislative branches. However influential Kim may be within the ruling coalition, expectations for public conduct from figures in these roles remain high.
It is hoped that this concert does not become the defining tableau of the new government’s early days.