Kim Boo-kyum "Lee Jae-myung Admits 'Moderate Conservative' Expression Could Be Misunderstood"

"Lee Agrees on the Need for Constitutional Amendment,
But Says Now Is Not the Right Time"

Former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, regarding his meeting with Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated, "Lee acknowledged that the expression 'the Democratic Party is a centrist conservative party' could be misunderstood," adding, "It meant that the public opinion should hold the People Power Party accountable for drifting toward the far right."

On the 25th, on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show,' former Prime Minister Kim said, "I agree that the party showing policy flexibility ahead of the presidential election is acceptable," but also emphasized, "We must be cautious about defining the party's identity based on a single statement from the leader. To broaden the party's identity, decisions should be made through internal party discussions." When asked if Lee promised not to use the term 'centrist conservative party,' he replied, "He did not answer that way, but he agreed with the criticism that it was wrong."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is greeting former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum at a restaurant in Yeouido, Seoul on the 24th. 2025.2.24 Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

He also expressed agreement with the party expanding its outreach ahead of the presidential election. He explained, "Former Presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun, who had received national mandates in the past, all did the same," adding, "There is a sense of problem that it is difficult to solve the challenges our society faces with existing values, norms, or ideologies." He continued, "However, since the party's identity and essential values are the history the party has built, they must be discussed and debated within the party. That way, the public can see the process and accept it," emphasizing, "This is the attitude of a responsible party."

Another topic discussed during the meeting between former Prime Minister Kim and Lee was constitutional amendment. Kim said, "I stated that the constant division and fighting between the ruling and opposition parties is due to problems in the current electoral and political systems. Politicians, including Lee, should clearly present a vision for political reform," and explained, "On the other hand, Lee agreed on the necessity of constitutional amendment but said it is not the right time."

He added, "Lee likely has his own political schedule, so it is difficult to make a premature judgment, but I interpreted it as meaning that if he wins an early presidential election and comes to power, he might consider it then," and further noted, "It seems Lee also recognizes that he cannot continue to avoid this issue."