Support for Nomination of Kim Hyuk-kyu as Prime Minister

“It has not been decided yet who will be nominated for Prime Minister.”

President Roh Moo-hyun mentioned the above at a dinner at Cheong Wa Dae on May 29 regarding the nomination the Presidential Adviser on Economy, Kim Hyuk-kyu, for Prime Minister, and added, “All possibilities are open for the decision.” Despite the statement, few doubt Kim will be the nominee. Rather, many see Roh’s statement as showing his will to nominate Kim.

President Roh answered his own question, saying, “Why is Kim Hyuk-kyu mentioned? It is because of the goal of the Uri Party that it will overcome regionalism and unify regions.” He also refuted by saying, “Some say Kim is a traitor, but they need to judge in the place of the nation and the history.”

“His will to appoint Kim as Prime Minister hasn’t changed,” said a key observer in the Uri Party on May 30. It is observed that Roh’s statement was made not to affect the local elections on June 5 and, at the same time, to appease the young groups in the party, who are against the nomination process.

In fact, it is known that Cheong Wa Dae has gotten everything ready for the nomination of Kim for Prime Minister. The civil administration top seat thread has finished the verification of Kim, and has already prepared four logical reasons to persuade the nation.

First is Kim’s capacity to collect foreign capital when he was the governor of South Gyeongsang Province. Second, he is a self-made man. Third, he gave up vested interests and joined the party when the party was in a difficult situation. Fourth, he has been a man of high integrity so far. These four are the reasons to bring into relief.

Therefore, there are no other nominees except Kim in the ruling party.

Young-Chan Yoon yyc11@donga.com