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Kim Byung-ki, interim leader and floor leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), speaks during a supreme council meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul on July 14. / Source: Song Ui-joo

Kim Byung-ki, interim leader and floor leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), on July 14 pledged to support the Lee Jae-myung administration in achieving greater outcomes, especially as confirmation hearings for new ministers begin in the National Assembly.

“We will help the Lee administration deliver more tangible results,” Kim said during a party leadership meeting held at the National Assembly in Seoul. “The Democratic Party will support the swift completion of the Cabinet and contribute to stabilizing state affairs.”

He noted that confirmation hearings for 16 ministerial nominees and the nominee for the head of the National Tax Service will take place over the next five days. “Our party’s standard for the hearings is based on practicality, competence, and performance,” Kim said.

“Political ideology or past profession should not be a problem,” he added. “What matters is whether the nominee has the qualifications and capability to deliver visible results that the public can feel amid the ongoing economic, livelihood, and trade crises.”

He also warned against “old-fashioned attacks, indiscriminate smears, and excessive obstruction of governance,” saying the DPK would respond firmly to such tactics.

To the ministerial candidates, Kim advised, “I urge you to dispel suspicions with honest answers and clearly explain your preparedness and determination to serve.”

Regarding the return of medical students to their universities after months of boycott, Kim said, “We will respond to the students’ decision to trust the National Assembly and the government. We will listen to stakeholders and experts, and do our utmost to produce results that reassure the public as soon as possible.”