Prime Minister Kim Minseok Says He Has "No Intention" to Run in Next Year's Local Elections

Political Interpellation Session at the National Assembly

Prime Minister Kim Minseok stated on the 15th that he has "no intention" of running in next year's local elections when asked about the possibility.

Prime Minister Kim made this remark in response to a question from Assemblywoman Lim Ija of the People Power Party during the government questioning session at the National Assembly on the same day.

Prime Minister Kim Minseok is responding to a question from Lim Ija, a member of the People Power Party, during the government questioning session held at the National Assembly plenary session on the 15th. 2025.9.15 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Assemblywoman Lim commented, "It's a relief that you have no intention," and criticized, "All of the current administration's policies, appointments, and special prosecutor investigations under the Lee Jaemyung government are solely focused on the upcoming local elections." She further pointed out, "Even the extension of the special prosecutor's investigation is ultimately a strategic move to drag things out until next year's local elections, using the investigation, indictment, trial, and news coverage to blind and deafen the public."

In response, Prime Minister Kim argued, "If the Yoon Sukyeol administration had not exercised its veto power over the special prosecutors, this matter would have already been resolved," and insisted, "It has nothing to do with the elections."

Assemblywoman Lim countered, "On top of suppressing the opposition, now you're targeting the mayor of Seoul. Is it normal to stigmatize someone just to make them lose the election? Is this truly a law-abiding nation?"

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