Kim Min-seok vows to lead party that gives president 'nothing to worry about'

Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok said Tuesday that the party's new leadership would ensure President Lee Jae Myung had "nothing to worry about," pledging to run a team that delivers results.

Speaking at a dinner hosted at Cheong Wa Dae for the newly elected Democratic Party leadership, Kim said the party had entered "a period when it must demonstrate its full capabilities and support the president in running state affairs effectively."

Kim said the Supreme Council was already naturally aligning itself to focus its public messaging on resolving policy problems and steering the country in the right direction, while continuing internal deliberations. "I am confident this leadership will move forward in as much harmony as the two previous leaderships the president guided," he said.

He also said that religious leaders from Protestant, Catholic and Buddhist communities he had met with Tuesday had all told him that "because this is truly a critical time for the nation, we must help the president govern well." Kim said he had told them: "We have overcome the insurrection and economic hardship, finished the honeymoon and apprenticeship period, and now believe the real work is truly beginning. We will work even harder."

Floor leader Han Byung-do said he felt "the truly important period starts right now," adding that he was making a solemn commitment to deliver concrete results and strengthen the public's sense that the government is working for them.

Han said the floor leadership would stake everything on passing key state policy legislation within the year. "The regular session of the National Assembly beginning next week will be a watershed moment that determines the success of the Lee Jae Myung government — and, by extension, the fate of the Democratic Party," he said.

He also pledged to produce tangible results through close, coordinated cooperation among the party, government and Cheong Wa Dae, saying he would review legislative tasks on a weekly basis and keep close watch over proceedings from committee stage through to plenary votes.

Han said the floor leadership would also prepare carefully to pass the mega special zone bill and the budget within their legal deadlines this year, as well as a bill establishing a future response fund in a timely manner. "We will complete the president's governing philosophy and achievements through legislation and the budget, and lace up our boots to make sure the public can feel the difference," he said.