Kim Minseok: "Democratic Party Chooses People’s Livelihoods, Pragmatism, and Expansion Line at Convention... Must Work Relentlessly to Create a Golden Era"

Regular Assembly Lawmakers' Workshop
Explaining the Significance of Changes in the Party’s Direction, Including the Convention
Formation of Multiple Task Forces to "Bring Together the Party’s Top Members"

Kim Minseok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, characterized the results of the August 17 party convention as a choice for the line of "livelihood, pragmatism, and expansion," and called for a transformation into a party that works intensely and diligently.

On August 27 at the Democratic Party Workshop for lawmakers held at Inspire Resort on Yeongjong Island in Incheon, Kim stated, "An overwhelming number of party members chose the current leadership. I see this as a 'choice of direction.' I believe that the line of livelihood, pragmatism, and expansion is both the government's direction and the path chosen by the party this time. We must take this path—not toward another failed attempt at regaining power, but toward creating the Golden Age and shaping the remaining four years of the Lee Jaemyung administration," he said.

He described his fierce competition with former Chairman Jeong Cheongrae at the convention as "a difference in methodology or perception." Kim explained, "Former Chairman Jeong is a prominent proponent of 'there is no center.' He believes there is no centrist group, only swing voters, and that unity is the path to victory." He continued, "Both I and the president may have similar views, but in our case, there is a need to expand our traditional support base to include moderate conservatives, and since the 12·3 insurrection, this has, in fact, become inevitable. Structurally, the progressive camp must expand to the center-right. Realistically, since the 12·3 insurrection, the conservative camp has moved to the far extreme, so if we expand, we can achieve not just a temporary majority but a structural majority."

Kim emphasized the importance of the "New DJ Line," citing the example of the late former President Kim Dae-jung, the only Democratic Party leader in the past to successfully secure a second term in government. "Back then, the party leader was a female businesswoman, and by embracing a variety of figures, we fought the general election and regained power. Through the New DJ Line, we recalibrated as much as was needed," he explained.

Regarding this recalibration, Kim said, "Unless both our lawmakers and our support base are capable of structural realignment, it will continue to be difficult for us to take on the responsibility of governance. That’s why I am putting forth the concept of the 'New ABC': Affordability (livelihood), Broadening (expansion), and Competence (capability)." He added that as the party pursues ABC, its overall direction must also change.

Kim Minseok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, explained the future and direction of the Democratic Party in a keynote speech titled "The Golden Age of Democracy" at the National Assembly Member Workshop held at Inspire Resort in Jung-gu, Incheon, on the 27th, preparing for the 2026 regular session of the National Assembly. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Kim also addressed the reasons for continually forming various task forces (TFs) within the party. He explained, "The reason why key party figures, including first-term lawmakers, are leading different TFs and similar bodies is that I aimed to bring together our top representatives as much as possible."

He went on to note that he is confident in his ability to manage and oversee multiple TFs at once. "I have confidence in running multiple projects simultaneously while conducting detailed reviews. We will propose and execute projects, and the party will thoroughly monitor them. Without the same intensity and urgency with which local governments vie for public project bids, our party cannot survive," Kim stated. He added, "It is only when every lawmaker engages in an intense process of work that there is a chance of competing in the general election two years from now. Elections for the ruling party are not easy. Only with relentless effort can we create an opportunity. The same goes for the Seoul mayoral election one year from now—we'll only have a chance if we fight hard."

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