South Korean PM Kim Boo-kyum Eyes Party Leadership, Vows to Restore 'Winning Spirit'

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum has declared his ambition to forge a "winning Democratic Party," signaling a strong intention to compete for party leadership in the upcoming August convention. Observers anticipate Kim, representing the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction, will vie for the top party post.

Speaking at a workshop for newly elected Democratic Party officials in Gyeonggi Province, Kim stated, "I will step down from my prime ministerial post in a few days. I believe it is time to return to the party." He outlined key principles for the party's future, stressing the need to protect presidential leadership, adhere to proven winning formulas, and expand integration and solidarity.

"In politics, leadership is paramount. The president and the government must not be shaken," Kim asserted. He added that the party must preserve its successful strategies, which he defined as focusing on public livelihood, pragmatism, and rational reform. "Success only comes through addition, through integration, solidarity, and expansion," he explained, referencing past leaders who unified factions and broadened appeal to even moderate conservatives.

Kim suggested that the party's recent performance in the June 3 local elections represented a slight misstep, particularly in failing to fully embrace broader integration. He warned that losing the political center could make future victories difficult. "The Democratic Party led by President Lee Jae-myung was competent, strong, and a winning party. We must regain that winning spirit," Kim declared, potentially aiming his remarks at rivals like former party leader Chung Sye-kyun.