Former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who is preparing to run in the Democratic Party's August 17 national convention, stated today (July 3) regarding the results of the June 3 local elections that "the President could not even manage his facial expression."

Appearing on a CBS radio program today, Kim noted that President Lee Jae-myung was the first to issue an apology to the public immediately after the election. Aiming his remarks at former leader Jung Chung-rae, Kim added, "The party must undergo sweeping innovation."

Regarding the past year of the Democratic Party under the leadership of his rival for the party chairmanship, former leader Jung, Kim assessed that "the election results served as a certain evaluation of that period," suggesting that the party's coordination with the government and its relationship with the opposition party were somewhat lacking.

"When the President and the government hold discussions at Cabinet meetings, there must be a sense of speed and comprehensive integration to organize and implement those decisions through National Assembly legislation immediately or at the same pace," Kim said, pointing out that "there is some regret in that regard."

Citing the shortage of ballots at the National Election Commission as an example, he added, "Shouldn't the party have responded more actively? Since the party is the center of politics, it would be better to have more tension, speed, and a sense of responsibility."

He further remarked, "Can we really be a ruling opposition party, as is often said in jest?"

Regarding former leader Jung and Representative Song Young-gil, Kim kept them in check by saying, "Both of you have already served as party leader, whereas I have not." He emphasized, "I believe I have my own utility in that I am the only person currently within the party who has directly overseen and commanded general elections, presidential elections, and local elections, and led them to victory."

On the timing of his official declaration to run for party leader, he stated, "I will be able to tell you definitively soon."

Furthermore, regarding his recent lead in opinion polls for the next party leadership, he said, "I believe this reflects the judgment and expectations of party supporters and the public, who agree that the party must change in the direction I am proposing," adding, "I will take responsibility and do even better."