Ahn Cheol-soo and Kim Boo-kyum's Warm Meeting... "You Should Have Been Prime Minister Sooner" "I Will Visit Often"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, expressed hope in Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum on the 17th.

On that day, after receiving a visit from Prime Minister Kim at the People’s Party leader’s office in the National Assembly, Ahn said, "Currently, overcoming COVID-19, resolving livelihood issues, and preparing for the post-COVID era to revitalize the economy are all crucial tasks at an important time. I have high expectations as the person best suited for these tasks has come as Prime Minister," adding, "I sincerely hope that through national unity and cooperation, many issues will be resolved during the remaining one year of this administration."

Ahn said, "When I think of Prime Minister Kim, the first thing that comes to mind is national unity," and evaluated, "He is someone who has truly dedicated himself and fought harder than anyone else for national unity and the eradication of regionalism." He added, "I even feel a bit of regret, thinking that if he had become Prime Minister a little earlier, the government’s policy direction might have shifted more positively."

Ahn recalled, "The last time I spoke with Prime Minister Kim was on February 18 last year at the 17th anniversary event of the Daegu subway fire disaster," and said, "That was the very day when the first local infection case was discovered in Daegu in the morning. At that time, having just stepped down as Minister of the Interior and Safety, I remember telling the Prime Minister sitting next to me that the situation seemed serious and that it might lead to a large-scale spread, so it would be good to pay close attention."

Prime Minister Kim said, "At that scene last year, I asked in frustration if it could only turn out that way, and I was told that the horror of infectious diseases is like that, so we must prepare thoroughly for signs of a large-scale outbreak," adding, "Looking back, I think the leader’s insight as an expert was different from ours, and I feel regret that we could have responded better at that time."

Prime Minister Kim stated, "During the remaining one year of the Moon Jae-in administration, it will be difficult for us to push forward any policies in the legislature that are not acceptable in any form," and said, "We will visit often with various opinions." He promised, "Among the things mentioned, overcoming COVID-19 and addressing polarization are threats to the entire community that cannot be handled by any single political force or value alone. Ministers within the administration and I will all seriously observe our problems and realities accurately, report them, request help, and appeal in this manner to manage state affairs."

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