Kim Min-seok on Kang Hoon-sik Seoul Mayoral Bid: "Possibilities Are Open"..."Unsure How Much Rest Will Be Allowed"

Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok assessed the appointment of Lim Gwang-hyun as the new presidential chief of staff, saying, "A person has been chosen who will be of significant help to the president and can be immediately utilized for the stability of the party, government, presidential office, and state affairs."

Appearing on the Democratic Party's YouTube program "Minti 07" today (October 15), Kim said of Chief of Staff Lim, "He is a quiet but strong card, and the results are expected to be very good." He added, "He has good relationships with key administration figures, including the president, and having continuously attended cabinet meetings provides a sense of stability."

When asked by the host regarding rumors that former presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik might become a candidate for Seoul mayor, Kim replied, "The possibilities and the future are open for him to do anything," adding, "He is a national figure whose capabilities have been proven, and he holds trust both within and outside the party."

Kim continued, "He may want to rest a bit and have time to mature and study, but I am not sure how much of that will be allowed," emphasizing, "Now is a time when those with the capability and experience to contribute to our administration must work across all fields."

Regarding party affairs, Kim said, "We are doing everything that needs to be done while abiding by the party constitution and regulations."

During a segment reviewing viewers' comments, Kim noted, "Viewers are saying, 'Take strong action on what needs to be handled.' If I say I will do something, I do it all," emphasizing, "Regardless of whether a matter takes time or the process is somewhat complex, I will proceed while observing all procedures."

Kim's remarks are interpreted as signaling his determination to pursue follow-up measures concerning the "mass party enrollment of Shincheonji members."

This comes as viewer comments on the show included statements such as, "You may take a firm stance on the Shincheonji issue."

Previously, Kim announced that an internal party investigation had identified circumstances of organized party enrollment by Shincheonji members and secured testimony related to interference in party primaries.

In response, the pro-Chung (pro-Jung Cheong-rae) faction pushed back by demanding the disclosure of the investigation's process and findings, reigniting factional strife within the party.

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