Kim Minseok: "Full Cooperation with the Lee Jaemyung Administration... 'Creative Horizontal Relationship'"

Acceptance Speech by the Newly Elected Party Leader

Kim Minseok, the newly elected leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, pledged on August 17 to fully cooperate with the Lee Jaemyung administration. However, he emphasized that the party would not simply support the government unilaterally, but instead establish a "creative and horizontal relationship."

At the 3rd Regular National Party Members' Convention of the Democratic Party of Korea held at the Daejeon Convention Center on the 17th, Kim Minseok, the newly elected party leader, is seen waving the party flag after being elected as party leader. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

In his acceptance speech after being elected as party leader at the Democratic Party Convention held at the Daejeon Convention Center on that day, Kim stated, "The relationship between the party and the presidential office, and between the party and the government, will be a creative and horizontal relationship of full cooperation, supporting the president and the government, who are at the center of state affairs."

He added, "I will work for the success of President Lee Jaemyung and the government of the people's sovereignty," and continued, "To ensure that success, we will hold discussions, offer candid advice, serve as a shield, and act as a channel for public sentiment." This suggests that while supporting government policies, the party will also communicate public opinion and, when necessary, provide direct and frank counsel to the president and the administration.

Kim also expressed his intention to focus the party's operation on public livelihoods and broadening its outreach. "I will transform the Democratic Party," he declared, "with changes in our language, our policies, our attitude, and our culture." He then referenced his envisioned "ABC Plan," pledging to promote "livelihood-focused politics, large and inclusive politics, expansionary politics, and capable politics."

He also delivered a message of inclusiveness toward the candidates he had competed with during the convention. Kim described candidate Jung Cheongrae as "an evangelist of 'one person, one vote'" and candidate Song Younggil as "a prepared leader," saying, "I am grateful to both candidates, who have greater abilities than I do."

In particular, Kim emphasized, "I will work alongside Jung Cheongrae and Song Younggil," adding, "I will gladly open up the floor and invite them to join." This is seen as an effort to heal party divisions that arose during the fiercely contested leadership race and to unite former rivals and their supporters under the new leadership.

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