After passing the state exam in 1994, Byeon has dedicated his career in public service - mostly at now-Ministry of the Interior and Safety and Busan City government.
Byeon served as the last administrator for protocol to President Roh Moo-hyun.
[1] After working at the Interior Ministry's department for local government taxation and its Office for Planning and Coordination, he served as the head of Planning & Coordination Office of Busan City government under conservative Mayor Suh Byung-soo.
[3] After Oh resigned due to his sexual harassment, Byeon led the city government as its Acting Mayor.
Byeon's spouse, Cho Kyu-young, is also a democratic politician served as a member of Seoul Metropolitan Council from 2006 to 2018 and its deputy speaker from 2016 to 2018.