On November 3, Prime Minister nominee Kim Byung-joon (62) clearly stated his intention to oversee all state matters concerning social, economic policies as the new prime minister after President Park Geun-hye takes her hands off of state administration and retreats.

He mentioned the role of a "de facto prime minister" clearly stipulated in the Constitution and expressed his plans on state administration and appealed to the opposition parties, which argue that the November 2 reshuffle is invalid, to recognize him as prime minister. Kim said, "If they still cannot accept me, then I will accept their opinion," also expressing his intention to step down if the opposition parties oppose to the end.

This day, at the training institute of the Financial Supervisory Service in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Kim said, "The handling of state matters should not stop even for a single day," and shared the reasons why he accepted the prime minister nomination. He also said, "If I become prime minister, I will exercise 100% of the authority given to the prime minister as stipulated in the Constitution."

He also said, "Economic and social policies are an area I am competent in, so I asked President Park to entrust them to me. The president did not completely delegate it to me, but I believe she put the economic and social fields in my hands." This seems to imply that Kim will conduct state affairs with the responsibility and authority over internal affairs. According to the Constitution, the prime minister assists the president and supervises each administrative ministry on orders from the president, and also has the authority to request the dismissal of a cabinet member and recommend nominees for administrative ministers.

As for the opposition parties' opposition to the latest reshuffle, Kim said, "I will discuss everything with the National Assembly and the ruling and opposition parties including the reshuffle. With the president facing national criticism, the National Assembly and the political parties are the source of national power and the flames of state administration will die if it fails to receive power from this source." He expressed his plans to consult the ruling and opposition parties through a permanent consulting body and to establish a coalition cabinet.
On some issues, he clearly stated views different from those of the president. On October 24, the president suggested constitutional amendments within her term, but Kim said, "Constitutional amendments led by the president are not appropriate. That is something that the National Assembly along with the ruling and opposition parties should promote." And as for the state-published history textbooks, Kim said, "I have questions about whether it is right for the state to publish textbooks and whether this can continue."

On Choi Soon-sil's involvement in state affairs, Kim said, "I think the heart of the problem lies in the problem of the president's authority and the system of aides. This is a problem that exists throughout state administration." As for the president leaving the Saenuri Party, Kim said, "If the president's party membership keeps her from tending to state affairs, as prime minister, I think I can suggest that she leave."

However, Kim said that he would fully explain such plans to the ruling and opposition parties and added, "If they still cannot accept me, then of course, I will accept their thoughts without another word." In other words, if the opposition parties continue to oppose his nomination, he will step down as nominee.

Throughout the press conference, Kim did not hesitate to share his views on various issues. When a reporter asked about the constitutional amendment as he was about to head out of the room, he returned to his seat and answered. He did not avoid any questions and promptly answered them. He said he accepted President Park's nomination because, "I think it is consistent with the 'Roh Moo-hyun spirit.' The essence of the Roh Moo-hyun spirit is not in dividing the nation into this side and that, but just being concerned about our country, our state affairs."

However, as for his future plans he said, "I will fulfill my responsibility and historical mission. If I can't, I will not dwell on the position." As he spoke, his eyes welled, and he remained silent for a while.
As for his reaction, he said, "I don't know why I did that (cried). It's just that I wasn't able to do everything that I wanted to do in the Participatory Government, and that had always pained me."