Kim Minseok Says He Is Grateful for 'Anti-American' Question... Asks to Stop Criticizing Reporter

Kim Minseok, the Prime Minister nominee, responded to a reporter's question regarding political accusations of being an 'anti-American,' saying, "I am actually grateful for the opportunity to explain questions among the issues raised in public that require answers and clarification." He added, "If there are people criticizing the reporter for asking a question they did not like, I would appreciate it if they would stop."

Kim Minseok, Prime Minister Nominee

According to Kim's Facebook post on the 12th, he wrote around 11:30 p.m. the previous night, "Just as a nominee has a duty to answer any question, a reporter also has the right and responsibility to ask any question on behalf of the public."

On the morning of the 10th, Kim held his first press conference as a nominee. At this event, a reporter asked for Kim's stance on rumors that he is an 'anti-American,' which had circulated in connection with his past involvement in the 1985 occupation protest at the U.S. Cultural Center in Seoul. In response, Kim replied to the effect that "I am an American lawyer who attended Harvard University in the United States." He also explained that the occupation protest at the U.S. Cultural Center was "an effective way to inform the world about the Gwangju Democratization Movement for the first time."

However, after the press conference, some hardline supporters launched various criticisms and verbal attacks against the reporter who asked the question, particularly on online communities, sparking controversy. Kim also said, "I have heard that the reporter who asked the first question at the press conference has found themselves in a difficult position," expressing concern about the situation and belatedly attempting to defuse the controversy.

Meanwhile, Kim is expected to meet directly with representatives from the food and dining industries, including the Korea Food Industry Association, the Korea Foodservice Industry Association, and the Korea Franchise Association, on June 13 to gather opinions for inflation countermeasures. Previously, at the press conference, he said, "It is not easy to manage the overall structural inflation, but the issue of lunch prices, which young salaried workers face every day, is especially important." He added, "I have already requested that the Office of the Prime Minister hold a meeting to discuss inflation countermeasures," and emphasized, "I will do my utmost as a nominee as well."