1. Introduction to the text
This reading lesson discusses the background and qualifications of Kim Min-seok, the candidate for the first prime minister of the new Yoon Suk-yeol government in South Korea. It compares Kim’s profile to previous prime ministers and the factors that influenced their appointments.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 있다 | issda | to exist, to have | There are divided evaluations surrounding Kim, the candidate. |
| 후보자는 | hudoja-neun | the candidate | The candidate Kim Min-seok is drawing a lot of attention as a strong contender for the first prime minister of the new government. |
| 정부 | jeongbu | government | Kim is considered a close ally of President Yoon, placing him in the pro-Yoon faction. |
| 총리 | chongni | prime minister | Kim has a high chance of becoming the first prime minister of the new government. |
| 총리를 | chongni-reul | the prime minister | The previous prime ministers, from the “bureaucratic” to the “integrative” type, include former Prime Minister Goh Kun who served under the Roh Moo-hyun government. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
새 정부의 첫 총리에 오를 가능성이 크다는 측면에서 김민석 후보자가 뜨거운 관심을 받고 있다. 다만 그를 둘러싼 엇갈린 평가가 화제성을 키우는 요인이 되고 있다.
Kim Min-seok, the candidate, is drawing a lot of attention as a strong contender for the first prime minister of the new government. However, the divided evaluations surrounding him are also factors that are generating a lot of discussion.
김 후보자는 이재명 대통령의 최측근으로 분류되는 만큼, 친(親)이재명계 인사라는 꼬리표가 중도·보수층으로부터 반감을 산 것으로 분석된다.
As Kim is considered a close ally of President Yoon, he is labeled as a pro-Yoon faction member, which has generated backlash from the moderate and conservative groups.
김 후보자 본인도 사회관계망서비스(SNS)를 통해 본인 관련 의혹에 적극 대응하며 청문회 돌파 의지를 드러냈다.
Kim himself has actively responded to the allegations surrounding him through social media, expressing his determination to overcome the confirmation hearing.
역대 초대 총리들을 보면, ‘관료형’부터 ‘통합형’까지 다양한 유형이 있었다. 노무현 정부 초대 국무총리를 지낸 고건 전 총리의 경우, 이 전 대통령은 “경제를 살리고, 통상과 자원 외교를 할 수 있는 적격자로 생각했다”고 설명했다.
Looking at previous first prime ministers, there have been diverse types, from the “bureaucratic” to the “integrative.” In the case of former Prime Minister Goh Kun, who served as the first prime minister under the Roh Moo-hyun government, the former president explained that he was considered a suitable candidate who could revive the economy and handle trade and resource diplomacy.
문재인 정부의 첫 총리였던 이낙연 전 총리는 호남(전남 영광) 출신으로, 지역적 고려가 이뤄진 인사라는 평가가 지배적이었다.
Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon, who was the first prime minister of the Moon Jae-in government, was from the Honam region (Yeonggwang, South Jeolla Province), and the prevailing evaluation was that regional considerations were taken into account in his appointment.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- Why is Kim Min-seok, the candidate for the first prime minister of the new government, drawing a lot of attention?
- What is the main criticism that Kim Min-seok faces from the moderate and conservative groups?
- How has Kim Min-seok responded to the allegations surrounding him?
- What were the different types of previous first prime ministers, and what were the considerations for appointing former Prime Minister Goh Kun?
- What was the prevailing evaluation regarding the appointment of former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon, the first prime minister of the Moon Jae-in government?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The appointment of the first prime minister in a new South Korean government is an important and closely watched process, as the prime minister plays a key role in setting the direction and priorities of the administration. The article highlights how factors such as the new president’s political faction, regional representation, and the prime minister’s perceived qualifications and leadership style have influenced these appointments in the past.