1. Introduction to the text
This article discusses the appointment of Kim Min-seok as the new Prime Minister of South Korea, and the speculation that he may become a powerful “real power” figure in the government, surpassing even the influence of previous prime ministers.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 참모장 | chammojanɡ | chief of staff | The article mentions that Kim Min-seok was the campaign manager during the 22nd general election last year. |
| 실세 | silse | real power figure | There are many observations that Kim Min-seok will become a “real power figure” prime minister, more so than any previous prime ministers. |
| 발탁 | baltak | to be selected, appointed | Kim Min-seok was selected as the policy committee chair when Lee Jae-myung was the leader of the Democratic Party. |
| 상황실장 | sanghwangsiljang | situation room manager | Kim Min-seok served as the situation room manager during the 22nd general election, helping the party achieve a decisive victory. |
| 권한 | kwonhan | authority, power | The article mentions that the Public Institutions Management Committee has the authority to evaluate the management of major public institutions and make decisions on personnel and organizational changes. |
| 후광 효과 | hugwang hyogwa | halo effect | If President Lee’s approval rating remains high when Kim Min-seok steps down as prime minister, he may be able to capitalize on the “halo effect” and run for higher office. |
| 차출 | chachul | to be drafted, recruited | It is uncertain whether Kim Min-seok will be drafted for the Seoul mayoral election before even completing a year of his term as prime minister. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
새로 임명된 김민석 국무총리는 이전 어느 총리보다 ‘실세형’이 될 것으로 관측되고 있다. 김 총리는 이재명 대통령이 더불어민주당 대표였을 때 정책위의장으로 발탁되었으며, 지난해 총선 당시에는 상황실장을 맡아 압승을 이끌었다.
The newly appointed Prime Minister Kim Min-seok is expected to become a more powerful “real power figure” than any previous prime ministers. Kim was selected as the policy committee chair when President Lee Jae-myung was the leader of the Democratic Party, and during last year’s general election, he served as the situation room manager, helping the party achieve a decisive victory.
김 총리는 후보자 신분으로도 이례적으로 외신 간담회를 열고 부처 업무 보고를 받는 등 실무형 총리를 강조하고 있다. 또한 공운위는 주요 공기업·준정부기관의 경영 평가와 인사, 기관 통폐합 권한을 갖고 있어 김 총리의 영향력이 커질 것으로 보인다.
As a candidate, Kim Min-seok has held press conferences with foreign media and received briefings from government ministries, emphasizing his hands-on approach as prime minister. The Public Institutions Management Committee, which Kim oversees, has the authority to evaluate the management of major public institutions and make decisions on personnel and organizational changes, suggesting that Kim’s influence will grow.
만약 이 대통령의 국정지지율이 김 총리의 임기 종료 시에도 높게 유지된다면, 김 총리도 그 ‘후광 효과’를 누릴 수 있어 차기 선거를 노릴 수 있다. 다만 임기 1년도 채 지나지 않은 상황에서 서울시장 선거에 차출될 가능성도 있어 그의 향후 행보가 주목된다.
If President Lee’s approval rating remains high even when Kim Min-seok’s term as prime minister ends, Kim may be able to capitalize on the “halo effect” and run for higher office. However, it is uncertain whether he will be drafted for the Seoul mayoral election before even completing a year of his term, and his future moves are being closely watched.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- What are the key factors that suggest Kim Min-seok will become a powerful “real power figure” as prime minister?
- How has Kim Min-seok’s approach as a prime minister candidate been different from previous candidates?
- What authority does the Public Institutions Management Committee have, and how might this impact Kim Min-seok’s influence?
- What potential political opportunity could arise for Kim Min-seok if President Lee’s approval rating remains high during his premiership?
- What uncertainty surrounds the possibility of Kim Min-seok being drafted for the Seoul mayoral election before completing his full term as prime minister?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The concept of a “real power figure” (실세) in Korean politics refers to individuals who wield significant influence and decision-making power behind the scenes, often exceeding the formal authority of their official positions. This reflects the complex power dynamics and political culture in South Korea, where personal connections and informal influence can be as important as institutional roles.