Won Hee-ryong to Kim Boo-kyum: "Why can't you say anything to Daeggae-moon... Please bring it down"

Won Hee-ryong, Governor of Jeju Province affiliated with the People Power Party Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] On the 18th, Won Hee-ryong, Governor of Jeju Province affiliated with the People Power Party, advised Prime Minister nominee Kim Boo-kyum, saying, "If you are not confident in revising policy directions, I don't understand why you are taking on the prime minister position," and added, "I hope the nominee does not become a mere prop for a show to dilute the public's anger."

On the same day, Won posted on his Facebook, "He who once persuaded me to enter politics and was once very close to me has become the prime minister nominee amid serious national chaos. I feel both glad and deeply concerned," and conveyed several requests to nominee Kim.

He expressed confusion as to why Kim does not say anything to the so-called 'Ddaekkaemun,' the hardline pro-Moon Jae-in faction, stating, "If the standard when the nominee left the Grand National Party was valid, now is the time to criticize the behavior of the 'Ddaekkaemun' and leave the Democratic Party." In 2003, Kim, then a member of the Grand National Party, left the party in August 2003 after former President Roh Moo-hyun was elected in the 16th presidential election and joined the founding of the Uri Party.

Won also pointed out, "I don't understand the nominee's remarks about 'responding to the people's criticism' when even the first-term lawmakers cannot respond to attacks from the 'Ddaekkaemun.'"

He further emphasized that the new prime minister should take the lead in cooperation, including renegotiating the formation of the National Assembly. He added, "Have him read the book 'How Democracy Dies,' and teach him mutual tolerance and restraint. Tell him to renegotiate the formation of the National Assembly." He also said, "If he cannot answer this, the nominee should not say anywhere that 'I will cooperate and embrace if I become prime minister.'"

He concluded, "If he lacks this confidence, he should throw in the towel before the confirmation hearing," adding, "I keep thinking that my brother (nominee Kim) might not be the last prime minister of this administration. It seems the president will not change."