Kim Minseok: "Jeong Cheongrae Responsible for Failed Innovation Party Merger"... Reveals Prescription for Missing Martial Law Vote

"Continuing to raise the issue is just like what the Daejang-dong prosecutors did"

Former Prime Minister Kim Minseok, who is running in the Democratic Party of Korea leadership election, criticized former Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheongrae over the failed merger with the Cho Kuk Innovation Party ahead of the local elections, stating that "the process was ignored, which led to its failure."

Former Prime Minister Minseok Kim, who is running for the Democratic Party of Korea’s leadership election, is taking questions from the press after a declaration press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office on July 6, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

At the "100 Questions, 100 Answers with Kim Minseok" event held at the National Assembly on July 12, Kim said, "Jeong bears significant responsibility for the failure of the merger because he excluded essential processes such as deliberation and discussion."

Regarding the merger with the Innovation Party, Kim emphasized, "There must be a premise that both Democratic Party and Innovation Party members agree," but added, "In terms of form, the only option that can be considered is a merger in which the Democratic Party absorbs the Innovation Party."

Addressing the issue of not being present for the National Assembly vote on lifting the 12·3 Martial Law, Kim publicly disclosed his prescription from that time. He explained his absence by saying, "I took cold medicine and slept." However, Lee Seongyun, a top committee member affiliated with the pro-Jeong faction, pressed him further, asking, "What were the ingredients of the medicine?" On this day, Kim retorted, "Why are you interested in the ingredients of the medicine when you are not even a pharmacist?"

He went on to say, "Even after I showed all the ingredients of the medicine, continuing to raise this issue is just like the actions of the Daejang-dong prosecutors," adding, "Whether or not to apologize is a matter of personal conscience, but generally, those who lack such conscience are not qualified to be in politics."

Kim also refuted criticism that he delayed the decision to abolish the prosecution's supplementary investigative authority. He stated, "I have consistently maintained that abolishing the supplementary investigative authority is a principle and insisted it should be dealt with by May," adding, "It was the party that delayed the process for various reasons, preventing it from being handled by May."

He also stressed the need to resolve dual party membership. Kim stated, "Before relying on the law, I ask that at least Democratic Party members launch a campaign to resolve dual party membership during the party convention period."

He further pledged to block the involvement of Shincheonji in this party convention. Kim said, "I will eradicate Shincheonji's interference in the election," explaining, "If anyone participates in voting under Shincheonji's direction, relationship, or obedience, I will ensure that all such actions are strictly punished in the name of the law."

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