Kim Dong-yeon: "We Must Pool Wisdom for 'Economic Quarantine'... I Reject All Invitations to Political Participation"

Former Deputy Prime Minister Kim Dong-yeon / Photo by Jin-hyeong Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance Kim Dong-yeon emphasized on the 22nd that "it is now time to unite wisdom and strength not only for virus containment but also for 'economic quarantine'" in relation to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis.

In a post on Facebook that day, former Deputy Prime Minister Kim said, "This is a global economic crisis that everyone is experiencing simultaneously and is feared to be prolonged," adding, "Those in difficulty are more likely to suffer direct shocks."

He stated, "Our people have demonstrated outstanding civic consciousness to overcome crises in difficult times. We will definitely overcome this COVID-19 crisis as well," and added, "Our response efforts are also receiving positive evaluations internationally."

Former Deputy Prime Minister Kim further said, "Moreover, we must turn this response into an opportunity to develop education, medical care, and bio sectors combined with digital technologies?where our competitiveness has been proven?into global businesses," adding, "That is the way to demonstrate our national dignity and potential."

He also shared recent news that he has agreed to serve as the sponsor chairman for three candidates running in the general election, with whom he worked during his time as Deputy Prime Minister, including former Vice Minister of Strategy and Finance Kim Yong-jin and former Commissioner of the Korea Customs Service Kim Young-moon. He revealed that he has declined several invitations to participate in politics.

He said, "I have received contacts encouraging me to enter politics from various places, but I have respectfully declined all," adding, "Having experienced institutional politics closely during my over 34 years of public service, I feel that politics cannot be done without a sense of mission for the times, responsibility, and problem-solving alternatives."

He continued, "Throughout my public service career, I have made efforts to solve the challenges of the times, but I feel a great responsibility for the current economic situation and structural social problems," and said, "Whether appointed or elected, wanting to hold office further is, I believe, greed and shamelessness."

He added, "For the same reason, I have declined all the various positions offered to me after stepping down as Deputy Prime Minister. I intend to reflect more for the time being," and confessed, "To be honest, I do not yet have solutions or alternatives that can swiftly and decisively solve economic or structural social problems. I plan to think more about them."

Former Deputy Prime Minister Kim said, "I am considering a 'bottom-up rebellion' together with actual livelihood actors in the field," and revealed, "The recent establishment of the 'Corporation for Pleasant Rebellion,' which is based on the philosophy of empathy, sharing, and solidarity, is in line with this purpose. I want to create change through small but practical actions."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.