Kim Minseok: "Jeong Cheongrae Not Engaging in Negative Campaigning... National Convention Needs Political Debate"

"I Will Address and Move Past Negativity Through the '100 Questions, 100 Answers' YouTuber Session"

Kim Minseok, former Prime Minister who has officially announced his candidacy for the Democratic Party leadership at the 8·17 National Party Convention, directly criticized former party leader Jeong Cheongrae on July 6. Kim stated, "Over the past year, the Democratic Party has failed to translate public support for the president and the government into party support and election results," adding, "The harmful effects of self-serving politics have thrown the party and party-government cooperation into confusion."

On the same morning, following his visit to Gwangju, South Jeolla Province, Kim held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office to reaffirm his intention to run for party president, saying, "I believe that I did not engage in negative campaigning during my announcement."

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Lee Donghae = Kim Minseok, former Prime Minister and a candidate for the Democratic Party leadership, is holding a press conference to declare his candidacy for party president at the National Assembly Communication Office on July 6, 2026.

This was in response to former leader Jeong Cheongrae posting on his social media after hearing Kim's declaration, stating, "I will not engage in negative campaigning," and, "I will only use the language of comrades."

Kim emphasized, "Former Democratic Party leaders have stated that one should not avoid political debate and discussion for the sound direction of the party, and that this is different from negative campaigning," adding, "I believe the party convention should be a forum for fair and transparent discussion about such directions."

He also announced plans to hold a '100 Questions and 100 Answers' session with YouTubers soon, with the aim of addressing the issues of division and derogatory language within the party at the early stage of the campaign.

Kim went on to say, "During my tenure as Prime Minister, when my political remarks were restricted, I simply watched as countless fake news stories and negative attacks were directed at me." He added, "I think the upcoming online '100 Questions and 100 Answers' with YouTubers could be an opportunity to address these issues." The event is scheduled for July 12.

He pointed out, "A phenomenon that I have been very concerned about recently is the so-called division and use of derogatory language," adding, "In addition, an overwhelming amount of fake news is permeating the party as a toxic culture." He continued, "The fact that even a fraction of those who consider themselves core or active members of the Democratic Party—an organization that should lead democracy in Korea—participate in such a culture is something that must be reflected upon, regretted, and ultimately overcome."

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