Kim Min-seok Directly Hits Jeong Cheong-rae Amidst Innovation Race

Former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, immediately after resigning from his post and returning to Yeouido (Seoul's political hub), directly criticized his rival for party leadership, former representative Jeong Cheong-rae, stating, "It is difficult to find the necessity or inevitability to do things the way they have been done twice." He criticized the proposed merger with the Jo Guk Innovation Party, which was ultimately dropped, saying, "The way the issue was raised and the process were flawed." He pointed out that the merger would have had to "effectively go through the format of a legal absorption merger." Kim evaluated that his views differ from those of writer Yoo Si-min and former representative Jeong, and that their perspectives are incorrect.

He also stressed, "We must embrace rational reform, progressives, conservatives, and centrists. There is no choice." Kim stated that trying to "be the president of everyone" is not overconfidence but a natural duty, adding that regardless of the support base for an election, it is a natural duty to strive to create the best possible good outcomes for all.

Kim Min-seok's remarks come as differences in the stances of various factions are highlighted during the party's internal innovation race. He made clear his divergence from the path advocated by some figures, including Jeong Cheong-rae. Attention is now focused on whether Kim's return will influence the future power dynamics within the party and the ongoing innovation discussions.