Prime Minister Nominee Kim Min-seok Calls for Urgent Action Amid Economic Challenges

On June 16, 2025, Kim Min-seok, the nominee for Prime Minister of South Korea, addressed economic officials at the Financial Supervisory Service training center in Jongno, Seoul, stating, "Over the past three years, South Korea has regressed. To correct this, we must move at full speed for at least the next 100 days." This public briefing marks a first for a Prime Minister nominee, as previous candidates typically received reports privately in preparation for their confirmation hearings.

During the meeting, officials from various ministries, including the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, were present. Kim expressed a profound sense of responsibility, noting the unusual situation of the President departing for the G7 summit without a fully appointed cabinet just two weeks into the new administration.

He emphasized the need to assess the current economic crisis, which he likened to a potential second IMF crisis, and to ensure that actionable policies addressing public welfare are being developed. Kim stated, "All public officials must be prepared to rectify the setbacks of the past three years within this 100-day sprint."

Additionally, he highlighted the importance of establishing mechanisms to reflect the will of the people and political parties in line with the philosophy of a government that prioritizes public sovereignty. He described this as a platform for proposing, discussing, and incorporating public opinions into future policies.

Kim also outlined his agenda to review urgent measures for revitalizing the economy, addressing rising food prices, and ensuring that government directives are being effectively implemented across ministries. He concluded by asserting that during the three days of the President's absence, public officials should naturally be on emergency duty without needing to be reminded.