Kim Sung-tae Predicts AI Secretary Ha Jung-woo’s Political Run

Political analysts and former government officials are closely watching the movement of Ha Jung-woo, the Presidential AI Secretary, as speculation mounts regarding his potential entry into electoral politics. In a series of recent interviews, Kim Seong-tae, a former floor leader of the People Power Party (PPP) and a veteran lawmaker, has predicted that Ha is poised to announce his candidacy for the upcoming by-election in Busan’s Buk-gu Gap district.

The prediction comes at a critical juncture for South Korean politics, with local elections now just 50 days away as of April 15, 2026. The potential candidacy of Ha Jung-woo, a figure central to the administration’s artificial intelligence strategy, suggests a strategic effort by the presidency to integrate high-tech expertise into the legislative branch, potentially shifting the political landscape in one of Busan’s key districts.

According to Kim Seong-tae, the move is not merely a personal ambition but a calculated maneuver. During a broadcast on MBC’s “News Outer” (News-oejeon), Kim asserted that Ha Jung-woo is currently being promoted by the President, indicating that the administration is actively preparing the AI Secretary for a political role. This alignment suggests that Ha’s candidacy would carry the weight of presidential backing, making him a formidable contender in the Busan Buk-gu Gap race.

A Complex Three-Way Race in Busan Buk-gu Gap

The political atmosphere in Busan is becoming increasingly volatile. Kim Seong-tae has predicted that the Busan Buk-gu Gap by-election will evolve into a three-way race. This complexity is heightened by the fact that Han Dong-hoon has also selected Busan Buk-gu Gap as a target, a move Kim describes as a strategic effort to establish a stronghold in the Yeongnam region, which is essential for future presidential ambitions.

The intersection of Han Dong-hoon’s aspirations and Ha Jung-woo’s potential candidacy creates a unique dynamic within the conservative camp. Whereas Han is viewed as a strategic heavyweight looking toward the presidency, Ha is seen as a specialist being positioned by the current administration. Kim Seong-tae noted in a report by MBC Radio that a unification of candidates between Han Dong-hoon and opposition figures would be difficult, further cementing the likelihood of a fragmented, multi-candidate contest.

The strategic importance of Busan cannot be overstated. For candidates like Han Dong-hoon, who are not originally from the Yeongnam region, securing a victory in a Busan district is often seen as a prerequisite for national leadership. The entry of Ha Jung-woo into this same arena could either complement the administration’s goals or create internal friction regarding the allocation of resources and support within the People Power Party.

Internal Party Dynamics and Strategic Gaps

While the focus remains on the potential candidates in Busan, Kim Seong-tae also highlighted concerns regarding the leadership and strategy of the People Power Party. He specifically pointed to the absence of Party Representative Jang Dong-hyeok, who is currently on a five-day, seven-night trip to the United States. Kim criticized this timing, suggesting that the party lacks a “tailored strategy” for the local elections, leaving the PPP in a vulnerable position—described as “muju-gongsan” (an ownerless mountain)—at a time when a turning point is desperately needed.

This perceived leadership vacuum is contrasted with the aggressive positioning of individual candidates. As detailed in an interview aired by MBC News, the party is facing a climate of diminished public trust, which has led to instability even in traditional strongholds like Daegu. The prediction that Ha Jung-woo will run within a short timeframe is seen as an attempt to inject recent, specialized leadership into the party’s ranks to counter this decline.

Key Political Factors at Play

• Presidential Influence: The assertion that Ha Jung-woo is being “promoted” by the President suggests the candidacy is part of a broader executive strategy.
• Regional Strongholds: The battle for Busan Buk-gu Gap serves as a proxy for larger ambitions, including Han Dong-hoon’s quest for a regional base.
• Technocratic Shift: The transition of an AI Secretary into a legislative candidate reflects a trend of bringing technical experts into governance.
• Timing: With only 50 days remaining until local elections, any candidacy announcement from Ha Jung-woo would likely happen immediately to allow for campaigning.

What This Means for the Tech and Political Intersection

The potential transition of Ha Jung-woo from the role of Presidential AI Secretary to a member of the National Assembly represents a significant intersection of technology and policy. As AI continues to reshape global economics and security, having a dedicated AI expert in the legislature could accelerate the drafting of AI-specific regulations and the implementation of digital infrastructure projects in South Korea.

However, the success of this transition depends on whether the electorate views Ha’s technical expertise as a viable substitute for traditional political experience. In a three-way race, the ability to appeal to a broad demographic—beyond the tech-savvy—will be crucial. The tension between the administration’s “top-down” promotion of Ha and the “bottom-up” strategic maneuvering of figures like Han Dong-hoon will likely define the campaign’s narrative.

As the deadline for candidacy filings approaches, the political community awaits official confirmation from Ha Jung-woo’s office. The next critical checkpoint will be the official announcement of candidates for the Busan Buk-gu Gap by-election, which will determine if Kim Seong-tae’s prediction of a three-way race becomes a reality.

We invite our readers to share their thoughts on the integration of tech experts into legislative roles in the comments section below.