"Seems Different from Usual": Kim Min-seok Breaks Silence on Yong Hye-in Controversy

Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok stated today (the 3rd) regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding Minister of Gender Equality and Family nominee Yong Hye-in—such as the debate over retaining her proportional representation seat—that he is "listening to many concerns and criticisms and deeply reflecting on them."

Appearing on the party's official YouTube channel "Minjoo Party TV" on "Minti 07" today, Kim made the remarks, saying, "I am listening to various opinions and watching the situation unfold."

Kim evaluated, "In general confirmation hearings, hidden corruption is uncovered and becomes an issue, but the issues raised this time are matters of judgment regarding facts that were evident even without a hearing," adding, "It seems different from usual."

He further noted, "The various voices and judgments of the public on this matter deserve respect in themselves and are worth pondering."

This can also be interpreted as an indication that, amid growing burdens on the ruling bloc as controversies and criticisms against the nominee amplify, he will monitor the situation before deciding whether to continue shielding nominee Yong.

Kim also shared his views on the recent escalation of friction with the Rebuilding Korea Party.

The rift between the two parties has deepened due to issues such as Cho Kuk, director of the Innovation Policy Institute at the Rebuilding Korea Party, mentioning the dismissal of the indictment against President Lee Jae-myung, and the appointment of former lawmaker Kim Yong-nam—who competed against Cho in the June 3 parliamentary by-election—as senior deputy chair of the Democratic Party's Policy Committee.

The situation has even turned into a "truth game," with the Rebuilding Korea Party denying claims made by the Democratic Party that discussions on solidarity and integration have begun.

Seemingly bearing in mind Cho's remarks regarding the dismissal of the indictment, Kim pointed out, "It would be better to be cautious with remarks that hinder solidarity."

He continued, "We told our internal members, 'We have opened a channel toward the Rebuilding Korea Party, so let's start a dialogue,'" and emphasized, "Both merger and solidarity are open, but while solidarity is unconditional, the possibility of a merger remains completely undecided."

He also addressed comments made the previous day by Representative Park Bum-kye, head of the party's grand integration promotion unit, who stated in a media interview that Representative Lee Hae-shik, head of the unit's Rebuilding Korea Party subcommittee, was holding working-level talks with Rebuilding Korea Party Secretary-General Chun Choong-sheng—talks that Secretary-General Chun had denied.

Kim conveyed, "Representative Park will talk with Representative Lee regarding the parts he was slightly mistaken about."

Minister of Planning and Finance Park Hong-keun, who appeared alongside him, also commented on the Rebuilding Korea Party issue, saying, "The Democratic Party and the Rebuilding Korea Party share the same roots," and adding, "In a way, the Rebuilding Korea Party is a friendly force, and I have some regrets wondering if they could play a role in filling in what is lacking."

Meanwhile, Kim announced the establishment of the "One-Line Letter Committee," a task force directly under the Public Relations Committee that will oversee the production of the party's banners.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.