Prime Minister Kim Min-seok argued that rather than criticizing Korea as the 51st state of the United States, the U.S. should be viewed as the 14th autonomous entity of Korea. He emphasized the need for a shift in perspective, given that Korea's international status and capabilities have risen compared to the past.
On the 16th, Prime Minister Kim made the statement during his keynote speech at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry summer forum held at the Lahan Select Hotel in Gyeongju. He raised his voice, saying, "I think the most lacking thing in our country is 'imperial thinking.' While we have never experienced an empire and have always engaged in colonialism, it is now time to adopt an aggressive perspective."
He also cited the global Korean Wave as an example, reiterating, "If it bursts in Korea, it can burst elsewhere and be successful; it would be good for all of us to have the confident and assertive mindset that brings about change."
Prime Minister Kim also expressed the need for severe punishment for those responsible for the insurrection. He stated, "If we do not condemn those who carried out the insurrection, we will be criticized and regarded as laughable by the entire world," adding, "We cannot avoid punishment." He went on to stress, "Due to the irresponsibility of officials who bore responsibility during the time of the insurrection, civil servants found themselves in difficult situations. Our task is to ensure that civil servants feel motivated to work again."
Regarding the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit scheduled to be held in Gyeongju in October, he said, "The Republic of Korea can emerge as a leading nation that presents an order of peace, knowledge, culture, and coexistence," and added, "It would be great if the beginning of that could be the 'K-APEC' that overcomes the insurrection."
The day before, Prime Minister Kim had arrived in Gyeongju and inspected the preparations for APEC during a two-day stay. He emphasized, "When I go to Seoul next week, I plan to hold a comprehensive meeting to assess APEC," stating, "APEC should not be an event limited to Gyeongju, but should involve all citizens."