Kim Min-seok launches bid for Democratic Party leadership, criticizes rivals

Kim Min-seok, former Prime Minister, has officially declared his candidacy for the leadership of the Democratic Party, directly criticizing his rivals for creating confusion in party affairs and government cooperation over the past year. "In the current state, achieving national success, winning the 2028 general election, and uniting the party are all difficult," Kim stated at his press conference in Gwangju, positioning himself as the candidate for "party-government unity."

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In the current state, achieving national success, winning the 2028 general election, and uniting the party are all difficult.

Kim specifically targeted Rep. Chung Sye-kyun, accusing him of prioritizing "self-politics" that has led to discord. He pointed to issues such as the push for merger with the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, discussions on prosecutorial reform, and nomination strategies during Chung's previous tenure, criticizing them for a "lack of deliberation, discussion, procedure, and consistency."

Emphasizing his "infinite responsibility for the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration's governance," Kim advocated for "perfect party-government unity and a practical, integrated path for the people's livelihood" as the proven winning strategy of previous Democratic governments. He expressed a desire to restore the "competent, strong, and winning Democratic Party" from the Lee Jae-myung era, highlighting his close collaboration with the President on governance matters.

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Lack of deliberation, discussion, procedure, and consistency has caused many problems.

The race for the party leadership is heating up, with another contender, Rep. Song Young-gil, scheduled to announce his candidacy on July 8. Song plans to focus on the youth vote, stating, "Without the 2030 generation, there is no 2030 presidential election." Meanwhile, Rep. Chung Sye-kyun's camp has responded to Kim's criticisms, with allies like Rep. Han Min-soo calling Kim's remarks "anachronistic and out of touch," and Rep. Lee Sung-yoon lamenting the "regrettable" focus on blaming others. Rep. Choi Min-hee recalled Kim's past party departure in 2002, suggesting it was to facilitate a potential merger with Chung Mong-joon.

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Without the 2030 generation, there is no 2030 presidential election.