Kim Byungki: "We Must Create Conditions and an Environment for Work, Even If It Means Amending the Hearing Law"

Ruling and Opposition Leaders Meet for Luncheon Briefing with President Lee
"Kim Expresses Strong Determination on Supplementary Budget"

Kim Byungki, acting leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, addressed the issue of confirming Kim Minseok as the Prime Minister nominee on June 22, urging the People Power Party to "create conditions and an environment where work can be done, even if it means amending the hearing law."

According to Democratic Party chief spokesperson Park Sanghyuk, Kim made this point during a luncheon meeting at the presidential residence with President Lee Jaemyung and the leaders of both ruling and opposition parties, emphasizing, "Given the current national crisis, it is crucial to create an environment where work can proceed."

Yonhap News Agency

When asked how Kim responded to the People Power Party's raising of various suspicions regarding the nominee during the luncheon, Park stated, "It is up to the nominee to provide explanations; I do not believe it is acting leader Kim's place to answer."

Park added, "The important thing is to ensure that Kim Minseok has the opportunity and conditions to clarify the suspicions during the confirmation hearing," and continued, "We are requesting the cooperation of the People Power Party for a swift cabinet formation."

Park also said, "Above all, acting leader Kim expressed a strong determination to pass the supplementary budget and requested cooperation from the People Power Party," stressing, "Our consistent position is that decisions should be made quickly, and any trial and error can be overcome."

Regarding the so-called 'Trial Suspension Act' (an amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act) promoted by the ruling party, which seeks to suspend ongoing criminal trials upon a presidential election victory, and the People Power Party's concern that this could threaten judicial independence, Park noted, "Acting leader Kim believes that trust is the most important issue." He further stated, "With regard to trust, the most important thing is for the People Power Party to first take various measures such as reflection and apology toward the Yoon Suk Yeol administration."

On the People Power Party's demand for a redistribution of standing committee chair positions, including the chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, Park argued, "Given the guarantee of the separation of powers, this is not a matter related to the President," and added, "The issue of forming the 22nd National Assembly's first half was already agreed upon and is not a topic for current discussion."

Regarding President Lee's comment during the meeting that common pledges made by both ruling and opposition candidates during the presidential election could be implemented without disagreement, Park said, "This is our party's consistent stance," and emphasized, "Active response from the People Power Party is crucial."

Park concluded, "As the saying goes, 'Well begun is half done,' today's meeting is significant as a first step. Compared to the previous administration, where it took 720 days for such a meeting between the President and the opposition, the fact that the leadership of both parties met just 18 days after the presidential election demonstrates our commitment to restoring politics through active communication with the opposition."