PM nominee refutes ‘anti-American’ label, embraces US legal principles

Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok speaks during a press briefing at the confirmation hearing preparation office in Jongno District, Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap

Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok on Monday dismissed allegations of anti-Americanism stemming from his past as a student activist, asserting that he has long admired the U.S. Constitution and its legal traditions.

His swift and unequivocal denial underscores the enduring sensitivity of anti-American sentiment in Korean politics, particularly for senior officials with roots in student activism and highlighting the delicate balance Seoul must navigate between nationalist sentiment and its vital alliance with Washington.

“I have great respect for how the American legal system protects individual rights and ensures democratic accountability,” Kim said during a press briefing in Seoul.

Kim, who holds a U.S. law degree and bar certification, added that his ties with American legal and political figures — including some in the Donald Trump administration — position him to strengthen Korea-U.S. relations.

“Knowing how our allies’ legal systems function allows for more strategic and effective diplomacy,” he said.

Addressing the 1985 occupation of the U.S. Cultural Center in Seoul, Kim stressed that the protest was not about turning away from the alliance but about calling global attention to the 1980 Gwangju Uprising and demanding accountability.

In May 1985, a three-day occupation of the U.S. Cultural Center in Seoul by Korean university students, including Kim, protested perceived American complicity in the brutal military suppression of pro-democracy protesters in the southwestern city. The incident became a defining moment for figures like Kim and underscored growing anti-U.S. sentiment.

“The goal was to question whether the U.S. had tacitly accepted Korean military deployments during the crackdown. It was a historical call for accountability, not hostility,” he said.

Kim argued that the protest helped both nations grow.

“It allowed both Korea and the U.S. to recognize their responsibilities. The U.S. government’s consistent support for Korea’s democracy — especially during the recent Candlelight Revolution — is a product of those shared lessons,” he said.

Pivoting to his economic vision, Kim warned that Korea is facing a moment of crisis comparable to the Asian financial crisis of the late 1990s.

“This may be a second [Asian financial] crisis. The nation’s direction for the next generation will be determined in the next six to 12 months,” he said, vowing to serve as a “chief adviser who speaks the truth.”

He urged leaders to focus on realistic assessments instead of finger-pointing and said the first step is admitting how serious the situation is.

“We need to unify and act fast,” he said.

To that end, Kim said he has already requested a policy forum at the Prime Minister’s Office to tackle rising food prices, responding to President Lee Jae-myung’s repeated calls for immediate action on cost-of-living issues.

“This is not a minor issue. Rising food costs are hitting everyday people where it hurts. The government must act in sync,” he said.

Kim also signaled his support for the president’s “citizens’ nomination system,” through which members of the public can recommend candidates for high office. “This is a natural development in expanding participatory democracy,” he said.

When asked about policy directions, Kim described himself as a “centrist reformer with conservative dialogue skills,” who believes Korea must “talk in the language that surrounding nations understand.” He added that his balanced approach could help improve ties with both the U.S. and Japan, especially in areas such as trade and security.

For his upcoming confirmation hearing, Kim pledged transparency and active participation. “The prime minister must not only implement the president’s agenda but also explain it to the people. I will answer every question with clarity and openness,” he said.

Kim also emphasized that his past as a dissident and his legal career in the U.S. are not contradictions, but complementary assets. “In difficult times, leadership should be grounded in values, guided by common sense and accountable to the people," he said. "That is the kind of leadership I intend to offer.”