Jung Cheongrae Stresses Party-Government Unity: "Will Coordinate Reforms the People Want" in Talks with Kim Minseok

Kim Responds: "Lee Jaemyung, Jung Cheongrae, and Kim Minseok Share One Heart"

On August 5, Democratic Party leader Jung Cheongrae emphasized party-government unity to Prime Minister Kim Minseok, stating, "We will pursue the reforms that the people want with both speed and precision, working in close coordination."

Meeting Prime Minister Kim at the National Assembly that day, Jung said, "Even if we do not communicate directly with the President, we will fully understand and carry out the President's philosophy of governance with a sense of shared purpose."

Jung added, "Both the Prime Minister and I are probably most familiar with President Lee Jaemyung's true intentions and philosophy of governance, and even without explicit words, I believe we will work well together with this mutual understanding."

He continued, "Although we are the Prime Minister and the party leader, I hope we can also have many private conversations over a drink of soju. That kind of personal relationship will also play an important role in our public duties. I trust the Prime Minister will strongly support President Lee's success, and I will do my best to fulfill my responsibilities as party leader," reiterating the importance of working as one team.

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party, is taking a commemorative photo with Kim Minseok, Prime Minister, who visited the National Assembly on the 5th. 2025.8.5 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Prime Minister Kim responded, "You mentioned 'shared purpose' and 'mutual understanding,' but in reality, it's 'Lee-Jung-Kim one heart.' I will always remember that the Democratic Party is the cradle and reservoir that created a government based on the sovereignty of the people."

He added, "I hope the party will become a leading party of an advanced nation that strengthens the middle class, deepens and modernizes its policies, and possesses cultural dignity, ultimately leading global democracy. I expect the party to lead in overcoming internal strife, while the government will focus on policy efficiency to overcome crises."

The two also exchanged compliments regarding party appointments. When Prime Minister Kim remarked, "How is it that so many outstanding people have been appointed?" Jung replied, "Please convey this to the President: I will make practical and balanced appointments in line with the President's personnel direction."

Jung further added, "Don't worry about the party. I will take care of everything. Who supported whom at the party convention is in the past; from now on, I will only focus on today and tomorrow."