Former PM Kim Min-seok launches bid for Democratic Party leadership

Former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok officially declared his candidacy for the leadership of the Democratic Party on July 6th, aiming to secure the party's top position at the upcoming August convention.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Jeon-il Building in Dong-gu, Gwangju, Kim stated, "I declare my candidacy for the Democratic Party leadership with an infinite sense of responsibility for the success of the current administration's national governance." He framed his decision as a "heavy responsibility" undertaken with the intention of fostering vigorous internal debate for the party's future.

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I declare my candidacy for the Democratic Party leadership with an infinite sense of responsibility for the success of the current administration's national governance.

Kim outlined his vision centered on a "three-pronged great unity plan." This approach involves "uniting when similar, allying when different, and constantly expanding." He aims to establish new relationships with other parties, political factions, and individuals under this framework, pledging to pursue a "grand unification plan."

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My candidacy for party leader is the product of a heavy responsibility, prepared for fierce internal debate for the party's future.

Prior to his announcement, Kim visited the National 5·18 Cemetery in Gwangju. He laid a wreath and offered incense at the memorial tower and paid respects at the graves of martyrs Yoon Sang-won and Park Hyun-sook. In the memorial guestbook, he wrote, "May 18th is now history, and the future," signing himself as "Democratic Party Leadership Candidate Kim Min-seok."

Supporters gathered at the event to show their backing for Kim's bid. The former prime minister's campaign emphasizes reconciliation and expansion, seeking to consolidate the party's base while reaching out to broader political constituencies.

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May 18th is now history, and the future.