Kim Min-seok, the Prime Minister currently visiting the United States, criticized broadcaster Kim Eo-jun for describing his U.S. visit as part of a “program to cultivate future leaders,” calling it “outrageous fantasy.” On the 16th, Prime Minister Kim expressed his disappointment with domestic media reports on Facebook, indicating his frustration with the comments made on the YouTube channel “Kim Eo-jun’s News Factory.” Kim Eo-jun had speculated that Kim’s visit, during which he met with individuals including former President Donald Trump, was part of a presidential initiative for leader development.
In response, Prime Minister Kim stated that the responsibilities of public service are not subject matter for such “fantasy novels” and asserted that the media is not a “factory for martial arts novels.” He pointed out that none of his statements suggested he was instructed to “gain diplomatic experience to utilize in state affairs,” countering Kim Eo-jun’s interpretation.
Furthermore, Kim emphasized that while he had been advised to fully execute his constitutional and legal duties and engage actively in U.S. issues, there was never any direction to “gain diplomatic experience.”
Prime Minister Kim also underscored the importance of maintaining media ethics, especially during the early term of a president widely regarded as doing well, and insisted that the media should perform its role properly. He expressed determination to endure and correct any misconceptions about his beliefs and journey frequently encountered in the media.