Korea’s New Prime Minister Sworn In

Despite controversy, Kim Min-seok’s appointment gains surprising traction.

In a lively and unscripted moment at the Blue House, President Lee Jae-myung formally appointed Kim Min-seok as South Korea’s new Prime Minister on July 4. The ceremony wasn’t just about protocol—it was peppered with laughter, lighthearted banter, and a hint at the gravity of what’s to come.

As President Lee handed over the letter of appointment, he smiled and said, “I’m counting on you.” When asked to present a bouquet to Kim’s spouse, Lee chuckled, “Let’s do the photo shoot later,” before reminding the new PM not to bow too deeply, joking, “You’ll make me look weird.”

But beyond the humor, Lee didn’t mince words: “The fate of the nation can change depending on how the Prime Minister performs.” He urged Kim to take swift action, even before new ministers are confirmed. Kim responded with determination, promising to become “a dawn-time Prime Minister” who increases the sense of governmental momentum.

In a briefing, spokesperson Kang Yu-jung revealed that even during what was meant to be a relaxed meeting with spouses present, President Lee emphasized transparency in public administration and swift responsibility for any missteps. “It felt more like a policy meeting than a congratulatory gathering,” someone reportedly joked.

A Troubled Nomination—But Public Sentiment Tells a Different Story

Kim’s confirmation hasn’t come without friction. The ruling Democratic Party pushed forward with the nomination despite fierce opposition from the People Power Party (PPP), which accused Kim of failing public scrutiny and called on President Lee to withdraw the nomination altogether.

Critics pointed to unresolved financial questions, missing documentation, uncooperative witnesses, and controversial remarks Kim made regarding anti-discrimination laws. The conservative media painted the nomination as a scandal in the making—perhaps hoping it would mirror the “Cho Kuk affair” that once shook the Moon Jae-in administration.

And yet, the public didn’t quite buy it.

According to the National Barometer Survey conducted right after the hearings, 45% of respondents viewed Kim’s nomination positively, while only 31% disagreed. Not an overwhelming majority—but certainly better than expected, especially considering Kim’s stiff and often evasive performance during questioning.

The Irony: He’s Too Poor to Be Corrupt?

One unexpected twist in this political drama is Kim’s reported net worth: just a little over ₩210 million (~$150,000). That’s including the assets of his spouse, mother, and son. For context, former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo reported a staggering ₩8.25 billion when nominated under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. He alone held over ₩5.1 billion in savings, much of it amassed while serving as an adviser for a major law firm.

Ironically, while Han was criticized for his wealth, Kim is being scrutinized for being too financially modest—raising questions about whether he had undisclosed income or debts tied to past political donors.

Opposition Overreach Backfires

Na Kyung-won, a senior lawmaker with South Korea’s opposition People Power Party (PPP), announced the end of her protest sit-in at the National Assembly’s central rotunda just ahead of the confirmation vote for Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok.

Public frustration with the PPP may also be boosting Kim’s case. Over the past three years, the Yoon administration has faced criticism over its economic management and failure to fully address serious issues like martial law speculation. In this climate, the opposition's aggressive stance—such as attempting to call Kim’s ex-wife as a witness—struck many as excessive and unproductive.

There was also a misfire involving PPP lawmaker Ju Jin-woo, who raised doubts about Kim’s exemption from military service due to his time as a democracy activist. The backlash? Ju’s own military exemption (due to hepatitis) came under scrutiny.

President Lee, during a bipartisan meeting last month, criticized the toxic tone of confirmation hearings: “Talented people avoid government service when their families become targets.”

Déjà Vu: A Page from 2022

This isn’t the first time South Korea has seen this movie. In 2022, the Democratic Party rejected Han Duck-soo’s confirmation report, only for the PPP to plead for cooperation, citing the need to complete Yoon’s fledgling Cabinet. In the end, the Democratic Party backed Han to avoid being painted as obstructionist ahead of local elections.

History may now be repeating itself—but in reverse.

If the National Assembly doesn’t approve Kim’s confirmation report by June 29, the Speaker could push it to a floor vote. Given the current balance of power, the Democratic Party likely has the numbers to confirm him—just as the PPP did for Han.

The Takeaway

The appointment of Kim Min-seok as Prime Minister reflects a shifting political mood in Korea. Despite the usual mudslinging and allegations, the public seems willing to give him a chance. Maybe it’s because of his clean image. Maybe it’s because of political fatigue. Or maybe, just maybe, because people want to believe someone with so little to gain might just be in it to serve.

In any case, Kim’s tenure is already being branded as one that started at dawn—both literally and metaphorically. Whether it leads to a new day for South Korean governance remains to be seen.