In the late 1990s, he joined the predecessor of the ruling Grand National Party and was elected to the council of South Gyeongsang Province in 1998.
In 2004, he was elected as the Governor of South Gyeongsang Province and in the local political community, he has long been mentioned as one of the strongest next-generation leaders.
Gukhoe announced that Confirmation hearings on Kim's nomination will begin on Tuesday, 24 August.
[3] He has been the most controversial candidate in the confirmation hearing of all due to his background and previous accusations made again him, also admitted to ethical misconduct, including hiring a subordinate as his personal maid when serving as governor of South Gyeongsang Province and allowing his wife to use the car provided for official use.
[6] On 27 Apr 2011, Kim won the April by elections for a National Assembly Seat representing Gimhae on the ruling party ticket by a narrow margin.