Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, reiterated that the party would "step in where necessary," addressing pushback from within the party against Kim Ji-yong, the nominee to head the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency.

Kim made the remarks today (October 8) on the Democratic Party's YouTube channel program 'Minti 07' in response to a viewer's comment claiming that "a vocal minority is committing insubordination, trying to strip away even the president's inherent personnel appointment authority, and it is happening too loudly and frequently."

Kim added, "Whatever intentions one may have, I believe it is appropriate to express them in a manner suited to one's position and role," stating, "The recent concerns being raised seem to question what ruling party lawmakers and public officials should do, and I believe restraint appropriate to that is necessary."

Yesterday, on the same program, Kim also stated multiple times a similar stance regarding intraparty opposition to nominee Kim's appointment, saying, "Since this can be addressed through the confirmation hearing, once each individual has sufficiently expressed their view, it is best to deal with it during the hearing."

Kim's repeated clarification of his stance is seen as driven by the judgment that he needs to rein in party members once again, as the National Assembly confirmation hearing for nominee Kim has been scheduled for October 14.

Regarding recent reports that the number of filibusters by the opposition party (a legal obstruction of legislative proceedings through unlimited debate) has decreased in the National Assembly plenary session, Kim said, "While there are many contentious issues and conflicts (with the opposition party), efforts are being made to prevent the overall situation from freezing up and spiraling to extremes."

He also emphasized, "While plenary sessions are usually not held during the parliamentary audit, it is right to promptly process essential legislative issues concerning people's livelihoods as they accumulate."

Meanwhile, Kim also unveiled party plans to expand engagement with young people.

Noting that there are about 200 teenage party members in the Democratic Party, he said, "I plan to hold a separate meeting and have a discussion session with them."

He also said that the party would push to launch an academy or mentoring program for youth, create youth-led activity spaces, and host a youth cultural festival.

Kim emphasized, "If asked how I would like the Democratic Party to be remembered for prioritizing since Kim Min-seok took office, my hope is for it to transform into a Democratic Party that broadens its engagement with youth once again, serving as a steady anchor for South Korea's democratic society 10 or 20 years down the road."

(Photo: Yonhap News)