Kim Min-seok, the newly elected leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, made his first National Assembly appearance since taking office by meeting with presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik and political affairs senior secretary Hong Ik-pyo.
At a meeting Tuesday in the party leader's conference room at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Kim said he was confident the party and the presidential office could function as a seamless team. "I expect we will complete ourselves as a wall-free, unified team," he said. He added that stepping into the party had felt like coming home, and that seeing Kang and Hong deepened that feeling. "I felt the joy of returning home on both sides," he said.
During the meeting, Kang presented Kim with a congratulatory orchid sent in the name of President Lee Jae Myung. Kim said he had outlined an "ABC plan" — standing for people's livelihood politics, expansive politics and competent politics — in his acceptance remarks after being elected party leader, and that a visit Monday to flood-hit areas in Geoje had reinforced the importance of safety. "Going to the flood scene in Geoje myself on Monday, I was reminded that the 'S' for safety that the president emphasizes is crucial," he said.
Kim said combining ABC with S and rearranging the letters spells "CAPS," the Korean word for taxi. "The Democratic Party will become a people's livelihood taxi that races from dawn with speed," he said.
Kang said he expected the party to grow stronger and more unified under Kim's leadership, drawing on the energy of Monday's competitive party convention. "I hope the launch of the new leadership brings fresh vitality to the party and greater expectations for a better life for the people," Kang said. "I hope a healthier and closer relationship between the party and the presidential office will take shape."
After the exchange of remarks, the two men embraced in front of reporters at the suggestion of Kim Tae-seon, the newly appointed chief of staff to the party leader. Prime Minister Han Seong-sook also sent Kim a congratulatory orchid through Prime Minister's Office Chief of Staff Chae Yi-bae.
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