Kim Byungki Warns Prosecution: "We Will Not Stand By If Investigation Is Used to Interfere in Prime Minister Appointment"

Kim: "A Prime Minister with Emergency Leadership Is Needed to Lead the Cabinet"

Kim Byungki, acting leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, issued a warning to the prosecution on June 24 regarding the assignment of the criminal complaint case against Prime Minister nominee Kim Minseok, stating, "If the prosecution intervenes in the prime ministerial appointment under the pretext of an investigation, we will never stand by and watch."

At a party countermeasures meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the same day, Acting Leader Kim declared, "I am giving the prosecution a preemptive warning," making his stance clear.

He went on to say, "Yesterday, President Lee Jaemyung nominated eleven ministerial candidates," and added, "I evaluate this as a highly capable emergency cabinet that can immediately respond to both the livelihood crisis and the crisis originating in the Middle East."

Acting Leader Kim particularly emphasized, "We need a prime minister with the drive to lead the cabinet with extraordinary leadership and to take command of the crises both inside and outside the country," and defended Kim Minseok by stating, "I am confident that nominee Kim, who possesses the necessary qualities and abilities, will earn the public's full trust through the confirmation hearings taking place today and tomorrow."

Previously, on June 20, the prosecution assigned the criminal complaint case involving allegations against nominee Kim Minseok?including bribery, violation of the Political Funds Act, and tax evasion related to underreporting of income?to the Criminal Division 1 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (headed by Chief Prosecutor Kim Seungho).