Kim Min-seok: Will seek party leader re-confirmation after next year's by-elections

Kim Min-seok, a contender for the leadership of South Korea's Democratic Party, has declared his intention to commence preparations for the Seoul mayoral and Gangneung parliamentary by-elections as soon as he assumes the party's top post. Following these elections, he plans to undergo a re-nomination process to reaffirm his mandate from party members.

During a press conference, Kim Min-seok announced his commitment to immediately establish a Seoul policy task force to oversee party and government initiatives related to the capital. He also plans to form an internal special committee to support the Gangneung ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) World Congress. This global event is recognized as a significant gathering in the field of intelligent transportation.

Under the theme 'Promises and Appeals,' Kim emphasized his dedication to prioritizing the "three mega-projects of Honam" and securing victories in the Seoul and Gangneung by-elections. He framed the upcoming party convention as a critical juncture, stating that the nation's fate hinges on whether the party supports or undermines the President's governance. He argued that instability in the party-government relationship would negatively impact public support, the stock market, and major projects, stressing the need for the party to be stabilized to effectively back the government and national administration.

Kim's policy platform includes advancing the Honam mega-projects, accelerating Hyundai Motor's investment in Saemangeum, opening a second Gwanghwamun headquarters for youth policy initiatives, mitigating regional disparities in certain 수도권 (metropolitan) and Gangwon areas, initiating cooperation with the Cho Kuk Innovation Party to form a progressive alliance, and pursuing housing supply and basic social policies. He urged all party members to participate in the upcoming convention, highlighting it as a new chapter for party member sovereignty through 100% voting.