The National Policy Vision of Prime Minister Nominee Kim Min-seok - Finding Answers in People's Lives

I. Politics on the Dining Table, National Governance Beginning with People's Livelihood

In June 2025, the price of a packet of ramen surpassed 2,000 won. This was not merely a rise in prices, but an event that posed fundamental questions about the daily lives of the citizens. After President Lee Jae-myung mentioned it directly, Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok promptly held a meeting with the food industry and declared the 'table price' a core agenda for national governance. His short yet symbolic first step went beyond simple price stabilization measures, revealing a philosophy regarding the prime minister's role. Nominee Kim defines the prime minister not as the pinnacle of bureaucracy, but as the 'central axis of responsible politics' that bridges public sentiment and administration. His declaration to design policies based on the lives of the citizens rather than national economic indicators was an expression of the will to bring the starting point of politics back to 'everyday life.'

II. Shift in Economic Perspective Centered on Living Costs

The first message from Minister Kim was resolute. The declaration that 'the government's top priority is price stability' did not merely pertain to the consumer price index. He focused on the cost of living as felt by the public, particularly in terms of food and dining expenses. This is an attempt to approach the economy not solely in terms of figures and growth rates, but as an interpretation of the quality of life that citizens actually experience. It represents a shift to practice the proposition that 'the economy is closely linked to people's livelihoods,' as well as an effort to move the focus of governance from bureaucratic to citizen-centered. The stance of not leaving prices solely to market autonomy, but rather making them the starting point of governance, is not just a simple economic policy but also a philosophy of governance.

III. Opaque Distribution Structure, Obstacles to Fair Economy

The analysis of the structural causes of rising prices by the designated Minister Kim is more profound. He points out the opaque distribution structure as one of the key elements of price instability. The more complex and unclear the trading structure is, the heavier the burden ultimately falls on consumers, leading to structural social injustices. He specifically cited the issue of delivery app fees, recognizing the limitations of self-regulation and emphasizing the need for public intervention. This reflects a pragmatic policy philosophy that is not merely about interventionism, but involves understanding the market while being unafraid of responsible public intervention in the face of market failures. It is an acknowledgment that the market and government should not be antagonistic, but rather function as joint problem solvers.

IV. Government in Daily Life, Public Service Encountered in Commercial Areas

One of the most noticeable characteristics of Kim's governance style is 'field-orientedness.' He proposed a 'local commerce revitalization movement' encouraging civil servants to dine in nearby commercial areas at least once a week. This is not merely a campaign for local businesses but a practical commitment to ensure that public officials live as part of the local economy. His philosophy that policies should be born not on desks but on the streets, in markets, restaurants, and alleys aligns with the direction of developing and implementing policies in the language of the people. Speaking not as a politician but as a person living everyday life, and integrating politics into the daily lives of citizens is not just a simple slogan but his practical strategy.

V. Succession and Expansion, Practical Policies for Social Solidarity

Kim's appointment mentioned the previous government's policies of '1,000 won breakfast for university students' and 'lunch provision for senior centers,' stating that he plans to expand this to include 'secure lunches for working people' as part of a comprehensive three-point plan for living standards. He expressed a stance that prioritizes practicality and solidarity while transcending ideology, suggesting that the change of government does not warrant the resetting of all policies. His belief that good policies should be inherited and evolved to fit the times reveals a political philosophy that emphasizes solidarity over conflict and openness over elimination. Additionally, he stressed the importance of a 'social dialogue model' where the market, government, and citizens work together to solve problems, advocating for a new governance based on cooperation rather than regulation.

VI. The Prime Minister Speaking in the Language of Public Sentiment

The vision of nominee Kim Min-seok can be summarized in five key words: field, empathy, transparency, fairness, and practicality. He aims to address state affairs not in the language of politics but in the language of life. His focus is on clear, everyday issues rather than grand discourses, prioritizing tangible experiences over indicators and action over justification. This approach reflects his belief that 'people's livelihood' should be at the center of governance rather than on the periphery. The prime minister he envisions is not just the administrative head overseeing state affairs but a leader equipped with the sensitivity and execution skills to absorb public sentiment in real-time and translate it into policy. Although it may be just the first step of implementation for now, the starting point is clear. It is about resolving the sense of unfairness and anxiety the public feels and making politics a tool that changes lives. This is precisely the 'lived politics' that Kim Min-seok proposes, and the core of his vision for governance.