Kim Min-seok leaves open a Seoul mayoral bid by former chief of staff Kang
In short
Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok (김민석) said on October 15 that former presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik (강훈식) had an open political future when asked about a possible Seoul mayoral candidacy. He did not confirm a bid or a specific new role.
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Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok (김민석) left open the possibility of a new political role for former presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik (강훈식) on October 15. Asked on the party's YouTube programme about speculation that Kang could become a Seoul mayoral candidate, Kim said his possibilities and future remained open. Maeil Business noted that he did not confirm a bid or a specific position. [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 7 ]
Kim described Kang as a national figure with proven ability and trust inside and outside the party. He said the president could entrust him with different responsibilities. Kang might want time to rest, reflect and study his experiences more deeply, Kim said, but he questioned how much time would be available because people with the ability and experience to contribute to the government were needed across different fields. [ 2 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 8 ]
Korea Economic Daily reported a more cautious assessment from Democratic Party lawmaker Yoon Kun-young (윤건영). Speaking on MBC radio, Yoon said the likelihood of a bid was not high. While praising Kang's abilities, he said the effect on Seoul residents of a move from South Chungcheong to Seoul needed consideration. Kim, meanwhile, said he planned to meet Kang soon, according to Chosun Ilbo and Korea Economic Daily. [ 3 , 7 ]
In the same YouTube appearance, Kim welcomed Im Gwang-hyeon (임광현) as the new presidential chief of staff. He said Im's experience in the party, parliament and government, relationships with senior officials and continued participation in cabinet meetings would support stable coordination and policy continuity. Kim also said party affairs would be handled in accordance with its constitution, rules and procedures. [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]
Why it matters
Kim's comments keep attention on Kang's next role after leaving the presidential staff. Korea Economic Daily also reported caution from a fellow Democratic Party lawmaker about a potential move into Seoul politics.
Key facts
- Kim made the remarks on the Democratic Party's YouTube programme on October 15. [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 7 , 8 ]
- Asked about a Seoul mayoral candidacy, Kim said Kang's possibilities and future remained open. [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 7 , 8 ]
- Kim praised Kang's national profile, tested ability and trust inside and outside the party. [ 2 , 4 , 5 , 8 ]
- Kim also praised new presidential chief of staff Im Gwang-hyeon (임광현) for his relationships and experience across the party and government. [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]
- Korea Economic Daily reported that lawmaker Yoon Kun-young (윤건영) considered a Kang bid unlikely and urged consideration of Seoul voters' reaction. [ 7 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- Whether Kang will run for Seoul mayor or take another role is unconfirmed. Maeil Business explicitly reported that Kim did not confirm a candidacy or a specific position.