'Cooperation Icon' Kim Bu-gyeom Ends 31-Year Political Career... "Dialogue, Compromise, Coexistence, and Win-Win Are Essential"

The 47th Prime Minister Farewell Ceremony

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum is greeting employees after the farewell ceremony held on the 12th at the Government Seoul Office on Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Son Seon-hee] Kim Boo-kyum, the third Prime Minister of the Moon Jae-in administration and known as the 'closing pitcher,' stepped down on the 12th. He put a temporary full stop not only to his role as Prime Minister but also to his political career spanning 31 years.

On the morning of the same day, Kim held the '47th Prime Minister Farewell Ceremony' at the Government Seoul Office and said, "I am concluding my journey as a politician and public official that I have pursued for over 30 years," adding, "I bow my head in gratitude to the people who have entrusted me, despite my many shortcomings, as a public servant for our community over a generation-long period and gave me the opportunity to work for our community."

Kim entered politics in 1991 as the youngest deputy spokesperson of the Democratic Party led by the late Kim Dae-jung (former president) and Lee Ki-taek as co-leaders. In May last year, he took over the Prime Minister position and voluntarily played a key role as a mediator during major conflicts between the ruling party and government, such as disaster relief funds and compensation for losses. Fighting hard in Daegu, considered a political death zone for progressive politicians, he was known for advocating the 'eradication of regionalism' and is recognized as a representative 'icon of cooperation' in politics.

Until his last moments in office, Kim expressed concern about the divided Republic of Korea, calling for "dialogue and compromise, coexistence and mutual prosperity." He appealed, "I am truly ashamed to see the current state of conflict and division in our community," and added, "Considering our nation's history of overcoming the tragedy of oppression by foreign powers and even the painful fratricidal war, this cannot be allowed to continue."

He continued, "A society where greed justifies everything, winners monopolize all, only the metropolitan area prospers, and competition alone is recognized as fairness is neither happy nor sustainable," emphasizing, "This is precisely the crisis facing our community." He stressed, "Dialogue and compromise, coexistence and mutual prosperity are the fundamental values of a democratic republic and the most urgently needed spirit in today's Korean community," and concluded, "Korea must become a 'warm community where we live together in harmony.'"

Finally, reflecting on the past year marked by repeated COVID-19 outbreaks and economic turmoil, Kim credited the public officials, saying, "(They) made efforts that words cannot fully express," attributing all credit to the public service community.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly's confirmation process for Prime Minister nominee Han Duck-soo has not yet been completed. With Kim's resignation on this day, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choo Kyung-ho will serve as acting Prime Minister for the time being.

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