Prime Minister Kim: "Party Must Take Much Greater Responsibility for Falling Approval Ratings"... Direct Criticism of Jung Chungrae

Prime Minister Kim Signals Bid for Party Leadership
"I Will Focus on Restoring Party Approval Ratings Upon Return"
Effectively Announces Candidacy Ahead of His Departure from Office

Prime Minister Minseok Kim commented on June 22 regarding the simultaneous decline in approval ratings for the ruling party and the presidential office following the nationwide local elections held on June 3, stating, "The election results may have pulled down the overall approval ratings for both the party and the government," and added, "It is a time for the party to take on much greater responsibility." By emphasizing that the responsibility for the 'meaningful defeat' in major regions such as Seoul lies with the party, his remarks are interpreted as a direct criticism of Jung Chungrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea.

Prime Minister Minseok Kim is reflecting on the achievements of the past year at a press briefing held on the 22nd at the Government Complex Seoul Annex in Jongno-gu, Seoul. 2026.6.22 Photo by Yonhap News

During a press briefing held at the Government Complex Seoul that morning, Prime Minister Kim said, "The approval ratings for the government and ruling party operate in a relay fashion. Over the past year, President Lee Jaemyung has shown leadership that could hardly have been any better, carrying the approval ratings for state affairs. However, the election results fell short of expectations," and added, "This is something we need to reflect upon."

He further stated, "Now that the first year of the administration has passed and the elections are over, it is time for the party and government to cooperate in perfect unison," emphasizing, "The party should work to support the President's governance even more than before the elections, and strive to raise the overall approval ratings for both the party and government." He added, "When I soon return to the party, I will do my utmost to restore the party's approval ratings in that direction, which will in turn help recover support for the administration and strengthen the momentum for state affairs." This effectively signals his intention to run for party leadership.

Regarding the prosecution reform bill, Prime Minister Kim reiterated his position, saying, "Personally, I believe that abolishing the supplementary investigation authority is inevitable at this point."

Having taken office on July 4 last year, Prime Minister Kim will mark his one-year anniversary in early July. On this day, the Office for Government Policy Coordination released a reference sheet titled "Prime Minister Kim's 12 Major Achievements and Outcomes," outlining major accomplishments such as hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, attracting a global artificial intelligence (AI) hub, and addressing the legacy of insurrection. Prime Minister Kim notably highlighted the establishment of the 'Youth Policy Ministers' Meeting' as a key achievement during his tenure, saying, "Youth issues have been among the matters I have been most attentive to over the past year," and added, "I have consistently pursued a platform where young people can directly discuss youth issues. After returning to the National Assembly, I will continue to actively promote this issue."

The day before, Prime Minister Kim met with young people in the vicinity of Songpa-gu, Seoul, where a protest against the infringement of suffrage had taken place. He stated, "I will actively initiate discussions in the National Assembly on a 'one-point constitutional amendment' related to electoral reform," adding, "Since there are various concerns within the People Power Party as well, I will work so that both ruling and opposition parties can reach a consensus and create alternatives that society can accept."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kim is set to depart later this afternoon for his first official visit to China since taking office. His schedule includes delivering a keynote speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting (Summer Davos Forum) held in Dalian, Liaoning Province, China. He is also expected to meet with Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of China, who holds the second-highest position in the Chinese government. It is the first time in a decade that a Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea is attending the WEF Summer Davos Forum since Hwang Kyo-ahn attended in 2016.

Once the parliamentary confirmation hearing for Han Seongsook, the next Prime Minister nominee, is concluded, Prime Minister Kim will resign and return to Yeouido. This trip to China will be his last diplomatic mission while in office. Prime Minister Kim said, "China is already aware that I have expressed my intention to step down as Prime Minister," and added, "Nevertheless, I judged that the invitation from the Chinese side remains valid in the context of continuing diplomacy at the national level."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.