Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok said on 24th, "At this point, we need the 'further establishment and further strengthening' of the Korea-U.S. alliance in all aspects, not just security, but also in economy, politics, and culture."

Prime Minister candidate Kim Min-seok attends the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 24th, answering questions from lawmakers./Courtesy of News1

During a National Assembly personnel hearing, Kim responded to a question from Lee Jong-bae, Chairperson of the Personnel Hearing Special Committee from the People Power Party, regarding the ongoing Iran-Israel war, saying, "The importance of the Korea-U.S. alliance has been highlighted, what do you think about the Korea-U.S. alliance?"

He added, "The Korea-U.S. alliance is the fundamental axis of politics and diplomacy in Korea since former President Kim Dae-jung, from whom I learned politics, regardless of progressives or conservatives," and noted, "There is no one, especially in the political arena, who would deny the role of that axis."

Kim also addressed the concern regarding President Lee Jae-myung's decision not to attend the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit, stating, "It is excessive to worry that the diplomatic direction is turning anti-American or pro-China."

He continued, "Due to various disagreements among the United States and European countries, the main session for participating countries was reduced to two and a half hours, so there might have been hardly any opportunities for the invited countries."

He also mentioned, "Nevertheless, although he tried to participate, the significant participation of President Donald Trump could have been made difficult due to the situation in the Middle East," and added, "Considering the impact it could have on the Korean economy, I understand that he ultimately decided not to go."

Kim stated, "The fact that there was no meeting between the Korea-U.S. leaders at the Group of Seven (G7) summit is also attributed to the United States, and I believe the United States expressed its regret about that," and noted, "Japan also cited various reasons and did not participate, with an unusual expression saying, 'We respect Korea's judgment.'"

When Chairperson Lee asked, "Are you saying it was not to appease China and Russia?" Kim responded, "Based on the common-sense judgment that Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba would not have abstained for that reason, that is an unfounded criticism."

Regarding his past conviction related to the occupation of the American Cultural Center, Kim noted, "At that time, Chairperson Ham Eun-kyung from the People Power Party participated, while I was outside as the student council president," adding, "Recently, I saw an article where Chairperson Ham said, 'That was not anti-American but raised the issue of the Gwangju democratization movement.'"

He added, "I clearly remember that the students who participated back then did not advocate for the withdrawal of U.S. troops," explaining, "At that time, the movement of the Korean military had to obtain permission from the U.S. military, so I raised the issue that the military movements and massacres would have taken place under the recognition of the U.S."

He concluded, "I believe that historically, the protest at the American Cultural Center has contributed to creating a desirable Korea-U.S. alliance."