PM Kim Min-seok calls for renewed vigilance after local elections, stresses innovation in Gwangju

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok said Saturday that the government and the ruling party must approach the results of the June 3 local elections with a sense of urgency.

Speaking at the KBC "New Honam Forum" at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center in Gwangju, Kim delivered a keynote address on "A New Path for Honam" before telling reporters it was "time to be tense again and to innovate."

"There seem to be two readings of the outcome," he said. "One is that the results fell short, given the high expectations for presidential leadership that many assumed would naturally translate into electoral gains. The other is that, viewed overall, it was a victory and good enough to be satisfied with."

He added that the country had entered a period requiring renewed vigilance. "The core of innovation is expanding a pragmatic, people-first approach and combining growth with democracy," Kim said. "If we pool our political strength, we can make it happen."

Kim doubled down on his commitment to supporting the Honam region. "Until now, the issue was democracy — but now is the time to reinterpret 'Yangmu Honam Simu Gukga' ('without Honam, there is no nation') to mean that Honam must be the center and starting point for locally driven growth and a Korean golden age," he said.

Touching on the proposed integration of Gwangju and South Jeolla Province, Kim said an opportunity had opened for fiscal support of up to 5 trillion won (approximately $3.27 billion) per year — up to 20 trillion won over four years — and expressed confidence that corporate investment beyond that figure would follow. He added that the government would back the effort with maximum regulatory reform and support.

The visit came amid speculation that Kim is preparing to step down as prime minister to mount a bid for the party leadership.