'The Last Prime Minister of the Moon Government' Kim Bu-gyeom... "Thoroughly Aiming for Integration"

New Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum is arriving at the Government Seoul Office in Sejong-ro, Seoul, on the morning of the 14th. President Moon Jae-in approved the appointment of Prime Minister Kim around 7 a.m. on the same day. 2021.5.14 [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] New Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum stated on the 14th, "I will be a prime minister who thoroughly pursues unity," as his inaugural remark.

On his first commute to the Government Seoul Office Building that morning, Prime Minister Kim met with reporters and said, "Difficulties such as (COVID-19) can only be overcome together." He added, "From now on, I will work in a way that unites the hearts of the people," and "I will sincerely explain the situation to both ruling and opposition parties and ask for their help."

Earlier, President Moon Jae-in approved Kim's appointment as prime minister around 7 a.m. that day. Accordingly, Kim's term officially began at midnight.

Prime Minister Kim expressed gratitude, saying, "I thank President Moon for giving me the opportunity to work despite my shortcomings and the National Assembly for consenting," and "I am also deeply grateful to the people who trusted and encouraged me." He continued, "Above all, I am well aware that the fight against the infectious disease COVID-19 is very difficult and that the people are exhausted," adding, "We must end this fight well to leave a good community to our nation and future generations."

He further emphasized 'national unity,' stating, "Now, we must return to the spirit of 'all of us together' for the Republic of Korea to regain its original form."

Regarding the direction of economic policy in future government administration, he said, "Only when the lives of the people return to normal can various economic policies fulfill their roles," and "I will prepare calmly so that the people feel, 'We can do this.'"

Prime Minister Kim chaired the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting on COVID-19 as his first official schedule that day. In his opening remarks, he emphasized, "I will devote all my efforts to ensure that the people can return to ordinary daily life within this year and that our economy can leap forward strongly and swiftly." He added, "Rather than mechanically raising social distancing levels and restricting business operations, we will focus all efforts on supporting and encouraging proper adherence to quarantine rules on the ground to prevent the spread of infection."

He also stated, "If the COVID-19 outbreak stabilizes by the first half of the year, from July we will transition to a new distancing system to take a step closer to harmonizing quarantine measures and daily life."