[The Editors' Verdict] Kim Minseok, Symbol of Redemption for the Defeated

Prime Minister Kim Minseok is a politician with a story. Personal stories are an asset for politicians. The public is drawn more to dramatic lives than to flat, uneventful ones. Stories of overcoming adversity are even more compelling. Such stories cannot be fabricated artificially. The "growth rings of life," which serve as a badge of honor for politicians, are formed only after many years of accumulated failures, setbacks, sweat, and tears.

The first time the term "resurgence" was associated with politician Kim Minseok was on July 6, 2008. In the Democratic Party’s Supreme Council election, where five members were selected, he won second place and was elected. Due to the fallout from the 2002 unification controversy between presidential candidates Roh Moo-hyun and Chung Mong-joon, he had become an outcast, but this seemed to mark his comeback. However, the reality of politics was not so easy. It is never simple to shed political prejudice. For a politician, the image of a betrayer can be fatal. Many have left politics because of such a scarlet letter.

Kim Minseok also endured difficult years with no promise of a return. No matter how sincerely he tried to explain the truth about the events of 2002, it was to no avail. Kim Minseok did not give up. However, on top of the pain of being denied a party nomination, he accumulated only more memories of hardship. He ran as a proportional representative candidate for a party different from today’s Democratic Party, but the party’s vote share remained at just 0.88%. The path of a once-successful person quietly fading into the background?Kim Minseok’s political life seemed to be ending that way.

But he picked himself up like a tumbler toy. Returning to the Democratic Party, he proved his worth through ability. Even the public, whose hearts had been firmly closed, gradually opened up. The process of change bore fruit. Exactly 20 years after being elected to the 16th National Assembly in 2000, he was elected again to the 21st National Assembly in 2020. And now, he has taken on the significant role of being the first Prime Minister in the Lee Jaemyung administration.

There are many figures etched in political history, but among those who have experienced political downfall and then returned, especially after 20 years, Prime Minister Kim is virtually unique. There is a reason why his experience cannot be dismissed as just another dramatic story. He bears the responsibility to dispel the shadow of despair that hangs over Korean society.

A world saturated with competition may have resulted in rapid growth, but it has also produced countless dropouts. In reality, it is difficult to make a comeback after experiencing failure even once. Just thinking about it can make one feel suffocated. The dishonor of having the world’s highest suicide rate is not a coincidence. Creating a society where second chances are possible is a matter of saving lives.

The office of Prime Minister has the power and authority to lead society in that direction. In particular, politician Kim Minseok is well-suited for this role. How many politicians understand the bitterness and sorrow of failure better than he does? His challenge is not a personal goal. It is about offering a spark of hope to the many who have experienced frustration. The process of this challenge may not be smooth. Misunderstandings and mistrust may again block his path. At such times, it is especially important for Kim Minseok to stay true to his original intentions.

He must not forget that humility and self-reflection led him to the position of Prime Minister. The higher his political status rises, the more he must reflect deeply on his historical responsibility. If he looks back on the 20 years he spent trying to win the hearts of the people, the answer will become clear. If politician Kim Minseok remains a successful Prime Minister after such a journey, our society will surely become a more livable place.