Kim Minseok: "Will Not Tolerate Curses of 'Doom'... Will Take the Arrows for the President"

Remarks at 'Politics and Future' General Meeting Special Lecture

"I Will Speak Up and Address What Needs to Be Addressed"

Kim Minseok, former Prime Minister and candidate in the Democratic Party of Korea's 8·17 National Convention, stated on the 25th, "I am willing to take the arrows meant for the president."

In a special lecture at the 'Politics and Future' general meeting on the same day, Kim said, "I will not tolerate curses like 'You are doomed,' when the time hasn't even passed, the same curses as in the past. I will speak up against baseless criticism and curses, and point out what needs to be addressed." These remarks are interpreted as a response to recent ongoing criticism of President Lee, especially after author Yoo Si-min commented, "The president is acting like the head of a faction. Whoever becomes the party leader is not the president's subordinate."

Former Prime Minister Kim Minseok, a candidate for the Democratic Party leader. Yonhap News Agency

'Politics and Future' is a political group founded by Park Yong-jin, Vice Chair of the Presidential Regulatory Rationalization Committee, together with party members and citizens. It is led by economist Dr. Woo Seok-hoon. The event was attended not only by Vice Chair Park and Dr. Woo, but also by Sul Mihwa and Lim Mi-ae, both Supreme Council candidates from the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction, as well as Democratic Party lawmakers Lee Yongwoo and Chae Hyunil. The venue, the National Assembly conference room with a capacity of 450 seats, was packed to capacity with supporters.

Kim appealed for support, saying, "If we lose this time, the dream of ushering in a golden era for Korea will be shattered." He added, "I urge all 1.5 million party members to vote to show where the party members' will lies."

Kim also addressed criticism that President Lee's path is misguided. He said, "Some people say President Lee's direction is wrong, but has there ever been such a reform-oriented leader in the history of Korea?" He continued, "What is wrong with a reform-minded president seeking to win the center ground by embracing talented and rational people, regardless of their conservative or moderate background?" He further stated, "The mega-project to break the polarization between the capital region and the provinces and to make regional areas prosper is President Lee's historic gamble, to which he has staked his political life. I will make this the Democratic Party's top priority, and as party leader, personally chair the committee and work closely in alignment with the president."

Kim also made his position clear regarding the recent Shincheonji allegations that he himself raised. He said, "This issue was raised out of concern for the country's future. It could be a disadvantageous battle that might cost me votes, but I step forward with the conviction that it must be addressed." He added, "As this issue has already entered the public sphere, I will work with party members to find a solution that upholds the dignity of the Democratic Party."

Vice Chair Park Yong-jin appealed for support for Kim by referring to past presidential impeachment cases. He said, "All three presidential impeachment cases in history began with conflict between the president and the ruling party's leader. We need to elect a party leader who can ensure a strong and united government." He further likened the president to the 'main post' and the party leader to a 'supporting stone,' saying, "We need a party leader who will firmly support President Lee so that he can shine."

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