Kim Minseok Praises Kim Sangwook as "A Person Who Possesses Everything"
"Party Approval Rating Remains Relatively Fixed... We Must Reorganize Our Ranks"
Kim Minseok, the Standing Co-Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea's election committee, stated regarding independent lawmaker Kim Sangwook, who declared his support for presidential candidate Lee Jaemyung, "I think it would be good if we could work together in politics." He also suggested the possibility of continuously recruiting Kim and other moderate-conservative figures to the election committee.
At a press conference held at the Democratic Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on May 15, Kim described lawmaker Kim as "a person who possesses everything." Earlier that morning, Kim Sangwook had held a press conference declaring his support for Lee, stating, "Even by conservative standards, he is the most conservative candidate." Kim Minseok added, "Kim Sangwook first criticized martial law, then left his party, and today, for the third time, declared his support for Lee. I deeply and seriously respect these actions."
The Democratic Party is working to expand its base by bringing moderate and conservative figures into the election committee. The party has previously appointed Lee Seokyeon, former head of the Ministry of Government Legislation, and Lee Ingi, former lawmaker, as co-chairs of the election committee, and Kwon Oeul, a former People Power Party lawmaker, as chairman of the National Integration Committee. Choi Yeonsuk, a former lawmaker, has also been named the chief standing co-chair of the Democratic Party's Daegu City election committee.
Kim Minseok remarked, "Coincidentally, most of these are people I have personally contacted," and added, "I believe this is just the beginning." He emphasized, "We need to further expand the sphere of moderate-conservatives that Lee has declared, and create a space where rational and patriotic moderate-conservative politicians, as well as civic-minded citizens, can participate more freely." He also called on moderate-conservative politicians to "participate even more actively."
Additionally, Kim Minseok acknowledged that the Democratic Party's approval rating remains stagnant and expressed his determination to remain vigilant in order to secure victory in the presidential election. He said, "Although there is a significant difference in the candidates' individual competitiveness, the party approval rating remains relatively fixed, even though the judgment on the rebellion is the overarching issue in the presidential election." He stressed, "We must reorganize the democratic camp with a sense of tension and resolve."
Lee Jae Myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, is giving a speech at the 'Revolution of Light' campaign rally held at Cheonggye Plaza in Seoul on May 12, 2025, marking the official start of the 21st presidential election campaign. Photo by Kim Hyun Min
Regarding Lee's statement at a campaign rally the previous day that "we must win, not just win by a landslide," Kim Minseok expressed agreement. He said, "The party has never officially adopted the slogan or catchphrase of 'overwhelming victory' during the election. I understand that one candidate used such a term during the primary process, but I have never agreed with that sentiment."
He continued, "I believe a stable change of government is necessary, and this is reflected in the party approval rating. Since the gap in party approval ratings is not large, when considering the public consensus to overcome the rebellion and the candidate's capabilities, which show a significant difference, I think it is desirable for the party approval rating to at least consistently exceed the opponent's. I intend to earnestly appeal to the public with this message during the campaign."
When asked whether judicial pressure affects the party's policy of expanding toward the center, he replied, "If you look at the indicators related to the judiciary, a stable majority says that the 'establishment system symbolized by Cho Heedae's Supreme Court' is wrong. However, there are differences in how to overcome this depending on the poll." He further explained, "We believe the appropriate way to resolve this is to reflect the will of the people, and we are considering what approach best aligns with the direction of the campaign." He also urged the judiciary, saying, "Before we ask the people's opinion, I hope those involved will first reflect on themselves and consider the will of the people."
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