Kim Taeheum Criticizes People Power Party: "No Sense of Desperation or Remorse After Losing Power"

"If you merely cover up the festering wound without removing it, it will be exposed again"
Relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan... "If I meet President Lee, I will clearly state my opposition"
Regarding re-election as Chungnam Governor: "It is difficult to predict even a few months ahead"

Kim Taeheum, Governor of Chungnam Province, is speaking at a press conference held in the main conference room of the provincial office on the 30th to mark the third anniversary of the 8th local government administration. Photo by Pyo Yoonji

Kim Taeheum, Governor of Chungnam Province, delivered unrestrained criticism toward both the ruling and opposition parties.

At a press conference marking the third anniversary of the 8th local government administration held in the main conference room of the provincial office on the 30th, Governor Kim took direct aim, saying, "Is it normal for a country to have a person with multiple criminal convictions and ongoing trials become president?"

He also delivered sharp criticism toward the ruling People Power Party. Governor Kim stated, "The People Power Party should be reflecting on whether it can regain public trust while adopting a certain stance and implementing a vision for a new future, but there is no such reflection," and added, "Even after being impeached, fighting elections, and losing power, there is no sense of desperation or remorse."

Governor Kim further commented, "The People Power Party is in a lethargic state, unable to present a vision for the future," and argued, "At the very least, in terms of ideological struggle and internal debate, the People Power Party needs to engage in fights and struggles, even if it means being left battered and bruised for several months."

He warned, "If you merely cover up the festering wound without removing it, it will eventually be exposed again."

Regarding the government's push to relocate the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan, he said, "I am completely opposed," and explained, "I understand the intention of the Lee Jaemyung administration to strengthen Busan as a maritime city, but if you want to coordinate and adjust between the National Assembly and government ministries, the ministries need to be in one place. Relocating a government ministry does not serve that purpose."

Governor Kim added, "In the same context, I have also told President Yoon Sukyeol that relocating the Korea Development Bank to Busan is not appropriate. Seoul must become an international financial hub, so Seoul should be developed as a global city."

He continued, "Now that Sejong has been designated as the administrative capital and the presidential office is moving there, I do not think it is desirable for the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to relocate to Busan. In particular, Democratic Party lawmakers from the Chungcheong region are making weak arguments in support of this. Will moving the ministry to Busan somehow open up the Arctic shipping route?" he retorted.

Governor Kim emphasized, "If I meet President Lee Jaemyung, I will clearly state my opposition on this issue."

Regarding whether he will seek re-election as governor of Chungnam Province, he said, "It is difficult to predict even a few months ahead, and I still have a year left in my term," and added, "As a four-year contract governor appointed by the people, I will do my best to fulfill my responsibilities and duties during the remaining year and finish well."