Who is Kim Ou-joon, bearded broadcaster behind Korea's liberal politics?

Few media personalities have wielded as much influence over Korea's liberal political discourse as broadcaster, podcaster and YouTube host Kim Ou-joon.

Over the past nearly three decades, Kim has evolved from an unconventional journalist running the tabloid-style online publication Ddanzi Ilbo into one of the country's most recognizable political commentators, building a loyal following through podcasts, radio and, more recently, YouTube.

His political clout is reflected in his close ties to the liberal camp's most influential figures, whom he has regularly featured on his programs, including former President Moon Jae-in, former ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Chairman Jung Chung-rae and former presidential secretary for AI policy and future planning Ha Jung-woo.

His political prominence became even more apparent after the June 3 local elections, when a newly coined term referring to influential figures associated with the DPK gained traction online against the backdrop of the party's internal factional divide.

Kim is grouped with four other prominent liberal figures in the acrony ...