Newly elected Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok and Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik held an introductory meeting today (the 18th) and jointly emphasized close relations between the ruling party and the presidential office, as well as unity within the ruling bloc.

This morning, Leader Kim welcomed Chief of Staff Kang, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs Hong Ik-pyo, and Political Affairs Secretary Jung Eul-ho, who visited the party leader's office at the National Assembly carrying a congratulatory orchid from President Lee Jae-myung.

"Coming to the party (after serving as prime minister) feels like coming home, and seeing Chief of Staff Kang and Senior Secretary Hong makes me feel like I am home once again," Kim said. "I have high expectations and a sense of responsibility that communication will take place as a wall-free one team."

His remarks appeared to reference the time they discussed state affairs together during cabinet meetings held at the presidential office when Kim served as prime minister.

Recalling his visit yesterday to Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, which was hit hard by torrential heavy rain right after yesterday's national convention, Kim said, "The government and the party will do our absolute best to quickly compensate residents for their damages and help ensure they do not suffer from trauma."

He also introduced the backdrop inscribed with the phrase, "The reliable Democratic Party that protects the people."

"Moving forward, the party will solidly back the governance direction of the government and the president while sharpening our antennas on people's livelihoods to capture voices from the livelihood frontlines and deliver public sentiment to the presidential office and the government," Kim emphasized, adding, "We will ensure that state affairs proceed stably."


In response, Chief of Staff Kang remarked, "It is customary for the senior secretary for political affairs to deliver an orchid when a party leader is elected, but as was the case with the previous party leader, the chief of staff has come to deliver the congratulatory orchid." He added, "This is because we recognize how crucial it is for the ruling party and the presidential office, as well as the party and the government, to run as one team."

"The party is where public sentiment is heard closest to the people," Kang said. "I believe that if there are voices the government has missed or difficulties on the ground that are being overlooked, you will always speak up without hesitation."

He further stated, "The government will also listen more closely to the party's voice and more faithfully reflect public sentiment from the field into state affairs," adding, "I hope a healthier and closer relationship between the ruling party and the presidential office will be forged."

Seemingly mindful of the intense friction during the national convention period, Kang noted, "I expect that everyone will now become one and successfully lead the Democratic Party." He added, "With passionate competition and energy, we expect the Democratic Party centered around Leader Kim to become a solid unity."

Following their opening remarks, at the suggestion of Kim Tae-seon, Chief of Staff to the Party Leader, the two figures posed for an embrace in front of the press.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Han Sung-sook also sent a congratulatory orchid to Leader Kim on this day through Chae Yi-bae, Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister.
 
(Photo: Yonhap News)