Kim Bu-gyeom: "When conflicts are severe, I am needed... I will act if there is a role for me"

"Strengths in Achieving Consensus, Integration, and Coexistence"

Amid talks of a possible early presidential election, former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, considered a leading opposition presidential candidate, said, "What the people want most is to see even a little stability in state affairs."

On the 14th, Kim appeared on KBS1 radio's 'Jeonggyeok Sisa' and stated, "What the people want is the restoration of constitutional order and the revival of the livelihood economy. If I have a role to play in that, I will speak out and take action."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Kim Boo-kyum, former Prime Minister. Photo by Younghan Heo younghan@

He said, "I have some strengths in somehow mediating public conflicts and achieving consensus, integration, and coexistence," adding, "Because I have voiced such opinions and played such roles so far." He continued, "In this regard, since the people have recognized me, I am needed when conflicts between parties become serious."

Regarding Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and his pragmatic approach, Kim evaluated it as "an attitude to accept the people's demands." He added, "However, the party leader should not unilaterally and easily change the party's identity," and said, "Changes should be made after inviting relevant experts and stakeholders for discussions. This way, the people can understand the situation and accept the results, which is the best approach."

Kim, who is coordinating a meeting schedule with Lee, said, "I will talk about how Lee's leadership can be revived only if the atmosphere where diverse voices within the party cannot be heard or the lack of inclusiveness is corrected." He added, "We cannot continue to keep the constitution that grants the president the powerful authority of martial law," and said, "We should start discussions on constitutional amendments this time and promise to complete them at an appropriate time."

Regarding the timing of the constitutional amendment, he said, "At the latest, the constitutional amendment must be approved by the people by the next local elections," adding, "The issue of when to apply the amendment can be promised by the next presidential candidates."

On the conflict between the pro-Lee Jae-myung (Chinmyeong) faction and the anti-Lee (Bimyeong) faction, Kim emphasized, "If they become one team, run the presidential election together, sweat together, and work hard, the conflict will be resolved," adding, "For that to happen, the so-called mainstream currently responsible for the party must first extend a hand." He further added, "Those who have gathered a wide embrace and many forces have always won in presidential elections."