After graduating the university, he worked as an investigative journalist of the Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) network for almost two decades, and later served as a chief executive officer of MBC from 2005 to 2008,[1] He then served as a Member of the National Assembly from 2008 to 2011.

He, with his three generation family,[2] is recognized as an 'elite status of veterans', which certified on the Military Manpower Agency.

[4] During his first term, he helped to host and prepare the upcoming 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Pyeongchang county and several venues in Gangwon province, with improving relevant infrastructures such as the construction of new Wonju-Gangneung railway, revitalizing Yangyang International Airport, etc.

[6] His second term, 37th governorship, started on July 1, 2014, with special debate of 'Meeting with Inhabitants', instead of a formal inauguration ceremony.

He also has been working as a chairperson of public-owned sports club Gangwon FC, since elected as the provincial governor in 2011.