Seoul: Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok has expressed his intentions to play a pivotal role in enhancing South Korea's relationships with the United States and Japan, contingent upon his appointment to the second-highest government position. This statement was made during his initial interaction with the media following his nomination by President Lee Jae-myung on June 4.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim emphasized his extensive knowledge of the United States, bolstered by personal connections with key figures from the Trump administration and academic pursuits at Harvard University, where he earned qualifications as a U.S. attorney. He conveyed confidence that his potential role as prime minister could significantly influence the dynamics of South Korea-U.S. relations.
Kim, a longstanding member of the ruling Democratic Party and former senior campaign aide to President Lee, addressed and refuted claims of his alleged anti-American stance and supposed U.S. entry ban linked to his participation in a 1985 protest at the U.S. cultural center in Seoul. The protest demanded an apology from the U.S. for its perceived indifference to the South Korean military regime's suppression of protests in Gwangju. Kim described the protest as a critical event that he believes played a part in shaping the U.S. stance during former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration in December, noting the consistent U.S. support for South Korean democracy.
Turning to relations with Japan, Kim underscored the significance of the bilateral ties, which he sees as more crucial than commonly perceived by the public. He particularly highlighted the potential of these relations to aid South Korea's economic recovery and influence tariff negotiations with Washington.
Kim also discussed his broader interest in foreign relations, encompassing the U.S., Japan, China, and other nations. He expressed a commitment to pursuing diplomatic efforts that align with South Korea's national interests, should he be appointed as prime minister.