Kim Minseok: "If Elected Leader, I Will Seek Renewed Mandate After Seoul and Gangneung By-Elections... Responsible Politics"

Confident of Victory in Honam and the Seoul Metropolitan Area

Minseok Kim, a candidate in the Democratic Party's August 17 National Convention for party leader, announced on the 10th that he would begin preparations immediately upon taking office for the re-elections for Seoul Mayor and Gangneung National Assembly member, which are expected to be held next year. He stated, "After the elections, I will seek a renewed mandate from party members as party leader in order to reestablish the collapsed ethical standard of responsible politics."

At the press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office, Kim declared, "I will propose the success of the three major mega projects for Honam as my top priority and lead the party to victory in the Seoul and Gangneung by-elections."

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Shin Hyun-woo = Kim Minseok, the Democratic Party's candidate for party leader, held a press conference on the 10th at the National Assembly Communication Office regarding his pledges, including making the success of three mega projects the party's top priority upon being elected as party leader and immediately preparing for the by-election of the Gangneung National Assembly member. 2026.8.10 nowwego@yna.co.kr (End)

He said, "In one week, the fate of the party, the government, and the country will be determined. Will we help the president manage state affairs, or will we disrupt him? That is the essence of this national convention and of our choice." He added, "If the relationship between the party and the government wavers, so will support for the administration, the stock market, and the mega projects. The party and the government must work together under a capable party leader who can overcome both internal and external challenges."

First, he announced that making the success of the three major mega projects, focused on expanding semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI) from Honam to Chungcheong, Yeongnam, and nationwide, would be the Democratic Party's foremost task. He also pledged to accelerate and expand efforts to attract Hyundai Motor to Saemangeum—a project begun during his tenure as Prime Minister—and to take responsibility for securing additional mega-investments for North Jeolla Province.

Kim also revealed plans to establish a second party office in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, to be used as a dedicated debate and cultural space for young citizens. Additional measures include: launching the Daegu Kim Gwangseok Youth Culture Festival and the Iksan Kim Mingki Youth Culture Festival, led by the Democratic Party's youth committees from Yeongnam and Honam; organizing party-wide support for the 2027 World Youth Congress; promoting regular policy consultations between young party members and the government; establishing a council of ministries related to youth and students; inaugurating the party's 1030 Policy Promotion Task Force; and introducing a political and administrative internship program for young party members—in short, implementing a "Young Democratic Party Plan."

He further pledged to launch a plan to correct regional disparities in the Greater Seoul area, targeting regions such as northern Seoul, northern Gyeonggi, and the border areas between Incheon and Gangwon.

To facilitate cooperation with the Innovation Party for the Fatherland (Joguk Innovation Party), he stated that he would initiate a Democratic-Progressive Alliance, including launching consultative talks for win-win cooperation.

Regarding the electoral outlook, Kim assessed that, according to the current nationwide trends, he is leading over candidate Cheolrae Jeong. He said, "I expect at least a tie or better in the Honam vote, and I believe this trend will also continue in the Seoul metropolitan area."

Addressing Jeong's campaign emphasis on being the "underdog," Kim remarked, "Jeong maintained the party leadership right up until he announced his intention to continue his term, and he appointed more special advisors than any other Democratic Party leader in history. For him to describe himself as being in a weak position, in any form, is perhaps a bit too modest—excessive humility, in fact."

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