Ex-PM Kim Min-seok questions rival's party leadership bid

Former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has entered the race for the Democratic Party's Aug. 17 national convention, directly challenging Rep. Chung Jin-suk's bid for party leadership. Kim suggested that Chung, a former party leader, does not need to hold the position twice, questioning the necessity of his current approach.

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I find it difficult to discover the necessity or inevitability of [Chung] doing it again in the way he has done until now.

In an interview with OhmyTV, Kim stated that while Chung has made efforts and achieved results, the party now requires a different leadership with distinct capabilities and style. He emphasized the need for a leader who can effectively support President Lee Jae-myung's administration, which faces significant tasks. Kim noted that the current situation demands a robust party foundation and backing for the president, especially as election results could potentially lower approval ratings. He believes the party's role and responsibilities have expanded, requiring more proactive engagement.

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Now is the time when the tasks and homework should be realized by different leadership, and a leadership with a somewhat different color, capability, and style and strengths than Chung Jin-suk is needed.

Kim also expressed disagreement with author Yoo Si-min's "reconstruction theory," finding many points factually inaccurate. He asserted that President Lee's commitment to being a president for all citizens is not overconfidence but a natural duty. Having previously found it difficult to address issues concerning businesses, the president, and politics in general as prime minister, Kim declared he would now speak freely on these matters from his new, independent position.

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The president's attempt to become 'a president for all' is not excessive confidence but a natural duty.