Kim Byungki: "No Time for Obstruction... Kim Minseok Must Be Confirmed as Soon as Possible"

"Ruling and Opposition Parties Must Unite to Overcome Crisis"
Facing Oil Price Hikes and Trade Pressure
Emphasizing the Urgency of Prime Minister Confirmation

Kim Byungki, Acting Party Leader and Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, on June 23 called on the People Power Party to cooperate in a broad-minded manner regarding the confirmation of Prime Minister nominee Kim Minseok.

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Kim referenced the U.S. attack on Iran and the ensuing economic crisis, urging, "For the government to respond properly, a Prime Minister who can take emergency command of the Cabinet must be confirmed as soon as possible."

Kim Byungki, Acting Party Leader and Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on June 20, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Previously, he stated, "The United States directly attacked Iranian territory yesterday. The entire world is plunging into chaos and crisis," and continued, "Our country is likely to face an immediate rise in oil prices and even stronger trade pressure. We are now in a true 'national compound crisis' situation, with the crisis caused by internal unrest compounded by war in the Middle East."

Regarding the confirmation hearing for Prime Minister nominee Kim, which will take place over two days on June 24 and 25, Kim emphasized, "There is no time to waste on blind partisan interests and obstructionism," and appealed, "Please cooperate in a broad-minded manner for the confirmation of Prime Minister Kim." He added, "The restoration of politics and the duty of politics is for the ruling and opposition parties to join forces to overcome the enormous crises facing the nation both at home and abroad."

Kim also addressed the supplementary budget submitted by the government to the National Assembly, stating, "Now is the 'golden time' for restoring livelihoods," and emphasized, "We must not miss this opportunity. The 30 trillion won supplementary budget for people's livelihoods must be processed urgently." He continued, "Let us convene a plenary session of the National Assembly immediately this week," and said, "By swiftly executing the livelihood recovery support funds, we must quench the people's thirst and ignite a spark in domestic demand and consumption."

Jeon Hyunhee, Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party, also stated, "This will serve as both a venue for verifying the nominee and a touchstone for assessing the possibility of renewal within the People Power Party," and added, "I urge the People Power Party to stop indiscriminate personal attacks and focus on a thorough verification process."

Lee Eonju, another Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party, said, "I expect that Prime Minister nominee Kim will not be a figurehead Prime Minister as in the past, but a truly working Prime Minister with real authority," and asserted, "Kim Minseok will be a Prime Minister who can truly get things done."