President Lee Jae Myung and Kim Yong Tae, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, are greeting each other in the National Assembly reception room on the 26th before the supplementary budget policy speech. Photo by Yonhap News
Kim explained to reporters at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, that day about the contents of the preliminary conversation between the ruling and opposition party leaders and President Lee, which took place before the supplementary budget policy speech.
Kim said that he requested President Lee to withdraw the nomination, stating, "Several allegations against the candidate have not been clearly explained."
He added, "President Lee did not say anything particular at that moment. However, an official from the presidential office who was present said, 'Please consider that the President's approval rating is over 50%.'"
Kim criticized this remark, saying, "It was bewildering. Even if the approval rating exceeds 50%, it could be interpreted as an intention to appoint an unverified person as Prime Minister. There needs to be a personnel system that aligns with common sense."
Kim also revealed that he requested President Lee to "approach the tariff agreement with the United States sincerely and swiftly," emphasizing, "The tariff agreement with the United States is important. Even if Korea and the United States are subject to the same tariff agreement, the impact on Hyundai Motor is significant."
Regarding the supplementary budget, Kim said he also conveyed concerns that "the issuance of local government bonds adds to the national debt burden."
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