Prime Minister Kim Min-seok stated that the ruling party needs to play a more supportive role for the president's administration rather than the cabinet, indicating he may resign as early as late June or early July following the appointment of Han Seong-sook as his successor.
On June 15, Kim appeared on MBC Radio and said, "Supporting the president's administration and contributing to its success is the primary duty. I believe it has become more necessary and efficient to shift this responsibility from the cabinet to the party."
He added, "The National Assembly should expedite legislative processes to provide support, and as we approach the midterm, there are political challenges, so it would be better for the party to more stably support the government and the president."
Kim expressed optimism about Han Seong-sook, the nominated successor, stating, "Having worked with her and observed her in cabinet meetings, she has performed exceptionally well. I believe she has the qualities needed to achieve results in revitalizing the economy and navigating the AI transformation."
Regarding his potential candidacy for the leadership of the Democratic Party in August, Kim remained non-committal, saying, "I think it’s appropriate to discuss my candidacy after I formally return to the party."
In response to President Lee Jae-myung's recent emphasis on 'responsibility' within the ruling party, Kim interpreted it as a call for reflection among responsible figures in the party. When asked about the evaluation of party leader Jeong Cheong-rae, he acknowledged his significant contributions and efforts but noted, "It is true that the election results did not meet expectations, so evaluations will be made in the context of that reflection."
Kim emphasized the need for the party to reassess its direction, stating, "We must reflect on achieving a perfect integration of party and government and expand our focus on practical issues affecting people's livelihoods."
On the topic of reforming the National Election Commission, he suggested the need for external oversight mechanisms, expressing a personal belief that a focused constitutional amendment may be necessary since it is currently challenging under the existing constitutional framework.
Reflecting on the past year, Kim described it as feeling like "working in an emergency room," stating, "It has been a year of running around to restore the country."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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