Kim Sung-hwan, a seasoned Democratic Party lawmaker and key architect of President Lee Jae-myung's climate and energy policies, was officially nominated as South Korea's Minister of Environment on June 23, 2025. Born in 1965 in Yeosu, Jeonnam, Kim's extensive career in public service and environmental legislation positions him as a pivotal figure to lead the nation's ambitious eco-friendly and carbon-neutral agenda.
Kim's formative years were marked by active participation in the 1980s democracy movement, reflecting his longstanding commitment to public causes. He graduated from Hansung High School and Yonsei University Law School, later earning a master's degree in Public Administration from Yonsei University's Graduate School of Public Administration. His political journey began in 1992 as a secretary to Democratic Party lawmaker Shin Kye-ryun, setting the stage for a career dedicated to governance and policy innovation.
In 1995, Kim was elected as a council member of Nowon-gu during South Korea's first nationwide local elections, followed by his election to the Seoul City Council in 1998. His influence expanded when he was appointed Policy Coordination Secretary in the Roh Moo-hyun administration's presidential secretariat, where he honed his skills in policy formulation and coordination.
Kim's executive leadership was further demonstrated through his tenure as Mayor of Nowon-gu, Seoul, winning elections in both 2010 and 2014. Transitioning to the national stage, he secured a seat in the 20th National Assembly representing Nowon-gu Byeong in 2018, and was subsequently re-elected for the 21st and 22nd National Assemblies, marking him as a three-term legislator.
Throughout his legislative career, Kim has been deeply involved in shaping South Korea's response to the climate crisis. He notably served as Chairman of the Green New Deal Division within the Democratic Party's Future Transformation K-New Deal Committee, Senior Deputy Floor Leader, and Policy Committee Chairman. His committee work predominantly centered on the Industry, Trade, Energy, SMEs and Startups Committee, as well as the Climate Crisis Special Committee, where he championed progressive environmental policies.
Kim's role in the 2022 presidential election was particularly significant. As co-chairman of the Policy Headquarters of Lee Jae-myung's Election Campaign Committee, he was instrumental in designing the administration's climate and energy pledges. He also led the Climate Crisis Carbon Neutral Committee, spearheading the 'Lee Jae-myung-style carbon neutrality' campaign that emphasized renewable energy expansion and nuclear phase-out.
His legislative achievements include proposing the 'Renewable Energy 3 Acts'—comprising the New-Renewable Energy Separation Act, Green Hydrogen Support Act, and Electric Vehicle Bidirectional Charging Duty Act—aimed at accelerating South Korea's transition to sustainable energy. Additionally, he advocated for the Special Act on the Management of High-Level Radioactive Waste and amendments to promote eco-friendly automobile development and supply.
Kim has maintained a firm stance on nuclear energy, consistently advocating for its phase-out. He argued for limiting the use of temporary storage facilities for spent nuclear fuel to the original design lifespan of nuclear plants, opposing the policies of the previous Yoon Suk-yeol administration. Although his bill on this matter was ultimately scrapped due to political disagreement, his position underscores a commitment to environmental safety and sustainability.
Commenting on his nomination, Kim expressed determination to navigate the nation through what he described as a "kind of civilization transition" necessitated by the climate crisis. He said, "I understand that my nomination reflects the public's desire for a good response to the climate crisis and for fostering climate-related industries." He also acknowledged the complexities involved in the planned government reorganization to establish a Climate Energy Ministry, emphasizing a careful, step-by-step approach involving coordination among various ministries and the National Policy Planning Committee.
President Lee Jae-myung's administration is expected to prioritize the transition to renewable energy and the growth of climate-related industries, with the Economic Division 2 of the National Policy Planning Committee currently overseeing climate and energy policies. Kim's background in the Industry, Trade, Energy, SMEs and Startups Committee aligns well with this economic focus, suggesting a hands-on approach to integrating environmental goals with industrial development.
The Presidential Office lauded Kim as a "3-term National Assembly member who has continuously worried about future environmental issues," highlighting his legislative expertise and policy acumen. They stated, "He is the person who best understands and can implement the President's problem awareness that 'the climate crisis is a crisis for everyone's survival.' We expect him to actively respond to environmental issues based on his rich legislative experience and policy expertise."
Kim Sung-hwan's nomination marks a critical juncture for South Korea's environmental policy. His blend of legislative experience, policy innovation, and steadfast commitment to climate issues positions him to lead the Ministry of Environment through a transformative era. As the nation confronts the urgent challenges of climate change, Kim's leadership will be pivotal in steering South Korea toward a sustainable and resilient future.
