Kim Calls for Shift from Prosecution Reforms to Livelihood Issues
Kim Min-seok, leader of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, urged his party on Oct. 6 to curb excessive demands for prosecution reform and redirect its political energy toward economic issues affecting citizens.
Speaking on the party's YouTube channel "Minti07," Kim stated that it is "time for the party to rein this in." He argued that the government has already satisfied most of the original demands pushed by hardliners within his own coalition, and in some areas, has exceeded them.
"This is now the point where we need to focus more on reforms that affect people's livelihoods," Kim said. He warned that continuing to press for expansive prosecution changes risked damaging the broader reform camp and undermining the president's leadership capabilities.
Historical Precedent and Priority Policy Items
To illustrate the risks of internal division over legal reforms, Kim cited the era of the Uri Party. He noted that internal splits regarding whether to amend or abolish the National Security Act left the party in political difficulty because the issue was never settled.
Kim identified specific economic priorities for the upcoming parliamentary audits of government agencies. These items include financial support for low-income households, job creation for young adults, and housing issues such as jeonse (lump-sum deposit) and monthly rent costs.
Audit Conduct and Film Dispute
Regarding the upcoming audit by the Supreme Court, Kim expected Committee Chair Seo Young-kyo to manage the proceedings with restraint while pressing on necessary matters.
Kim also addressed a dispute regarding the film "The Assassins," which depicts the assassination of first lady Yuk Young-soo. He stated that most films mix fact with fiction and argued that it is not desirable for politics to intervene in such creative works.
Cho Kuk, a prominent figure within the reform camp, pushed back against Kim's stance on prosecution reforms. Cho called Kim's remarks a trigger for draining disputes within the party.