Prime Minister Kim Min-seok hinted at a potential bid for leadership of the Democratic Party on June 7. He stated, "I am returning to the party to strongly support the spirit of the Lee Jae-myung administration."
In a post on social media, Kim emphasized that backing the Lee Jae-myung administration's spirit is both a public desire and a mission for the party's one million members. He noted that the results of the local elections and by-elections demand reflection, vigilance, and innovation from the ruling Democratic Party, which bears infinite responsibility.
He added, "To achieve three key objectives—successful governance, victory in the general elections, and continuous rule—the Democratic Party must become a strong practical coalition that embraces both economic growth and democracy."
Kim also highlighted his previous role in designing the Lee Jae-myung administration's governance plan and serving as the chief advisor to the first cabinet, stating, "My mission is to overcome resistance from vested interests and create a strong and capable Democratic Party that realizes the spirit of the Lee Jae-myung administration."
Furthermore, he declared, "I will open a golden age of democracy among party members and ensure that the Lee Jae-myung administration will usher in a K-golden era."
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party's convention is expected to take place between mid-August and early September. Alongside Kim, Representative Jeong Cheong-rae, who is seeking re-election, and former Representative Song Young-gil, who has returned to the National Assembly, are also being mentioned as potential candidates.
On the same day, Han Seung-sook, the Minister of SMEs and Startups, was appointed as Kim's successor. She is expected to become the second female Prime Minister in South Korea's history, following former Prime Minister Han Myung-sook, who served during the Roh Moo-hyun administration.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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