President Lee Taps Kwon Sung Dong's Arm... Kwon Says, "I Told Him the Prime Minister Appointment Should Not Proceed..."

Kwon Sung Dong Repeats "Prime Minister Appointment Should Not Proceed" Twice
Opposition Urges Reconsideration of Kim Min Seok's Nomination

Kwon Sung Dong, a member of the People Power Party, explained on the 26th that after President Lee Jae Myung's policy speech, he expressed to President Lee that the appointment of Kim Min Seok as Prime Minister should not proceed. Curiosity was sparked when President Lee was seen tapping Kwon's arm while greeting him after finishing his speech.

After the plenary session, Kwon told reporters, "I told President Lee twice that the Prime Minister appointment should not go forward, and he acknowledged it, tapped my arm, and walked away."

President Lee Jae Myung is greeting Kwon Sung Dong, a member of the People Power Party, after delivering his first policy speech related to the government's submission of the second supplementary budget proposal at the National Assembly plenary session on the 26th. 2025.6.26 Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

Earlier, after completing his policy speech, President Lee went to the seats of the opposition party members, exchanged brief greetings, and shook hands with them. In particular, President Lee showed a welcoming attitude upon seeing Kwon, who is known to have prepared for the bar exam together with him as university alumni. While shaking hands and conversing, President Lee was seen tapping Kwon's arm.

In addition, it has been reported that members of the People Power Party repeatedly conveyed their opinions to President Lee to reconsider the appointment of Kim Min Seok as Prime Minister, following the confirmation hearing that concluded the previous day.

During his policy speech, President Lee also expressed his commitment to cooperation by directing his attention toward the opposition party members. While introducing the budget details, he said to the opposition members, "If there are items not included in the government's supplementary budget proposal, please voice your opinions during the National Assembly's review process," and added, "While we will focus on reductions, if there are necessary budget items, please let us know."