Former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok announced his candidacy for the leadership of the Democratic Party on July 6, expressing a profound sense of responsibility for the success of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. His announcement marks the first candidacy among those speculated to run in the upcoming party convention.
Speaking in Gwangju, Kim stated, "My decision to run for party leader stems from a heavy sense of responsibility, prepared for intense internal debates for the future of the party." He emphasized, "The Yoon Suk-yeol administration must succeed. Only then can our country, our people, and our youth thrive."
Kim identified the primary task for the success of the Yoon administration as the need for innovation within the ruling Democratic Party. He noted, "Over the past year, the pitfalls of self-serving politics have led to confusion in cooperation between the party and the government," a comment interpreted as a critique aimed at former party leader Jung Cheong-rae.
Additionally, he declared, "We must restore a capable Democratic Party that is strong and victorious, as it was during Lee Jae-myung's leadership. I, Kim Min-seok, will take responsibility and ensure this happens." He also pledged to deliver on the promise of government success, electoral victory, and a golden era of democracy.
Looking ahead, the Democratic Party convention is set to take place on August 17 in Daejeon, where Kim, Jung, and lawmaker Song Young-gil are expected to compete for the leadership position.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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