Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok noted on the 25th regarding the introduction of a 4.5-day workweek, one of President Lee Jae-myung's campaign promises, that "(President Lee) has presented a comprehensive direction, but the execution plan needs to be further discussed."
During the National Assembly personnel hearing, Kim remarked, "When the President proposed the pledge, it was not presented with a specific timetable or which steps to start with."
Kim stated, "Reducing the number of working days is in line with global trends and human nature, and there are many issues to discuss regarding how to implement this policy in reality, starting from where, how to do it, the impact on the economy, economic compensation, and whether we can truly handle all of it."
Furthermore, Kim mentioned regarding the extension of the retirement age that, "There is a common discussion about whether the interests of the younger generation differ from those of the elderly." He added, "Upon recent surveys, it appears that the younger generation's opinions are becoming more open than in the past."
He continued, "The discussion on extending the retirement age needs to consider various aspects of social utility," and added, "There is a national policy research institute under the Prime Minister, so I am thinking about formally commissioning research on this."
Kim said, "Policies should be handled with great care, like grilling fish," emphasizing that it should be viewed with caution and through a multifaceted lens. He mentioned that regarding the current economic situation, "It's a situation that requires caution against optical illusions," and stressed, "There are various aspects to consider, including the potential for beneficial aspects of policies to lead to price stimulation."
He added, "I am aware of the tensions surrounding real estate that arose due to Mayor Oh Se-hoon's mishandling of the land transaction permit system."
Regarding judicial reform, Kim stated that, "The direction of public will is already out there, and comprehensive wisdom is needed on how best to approach it, including direction, speed, and timing."
Concerning the proposal to increase the number of Supreme Court justices, he noted that "there are aspects raised as alternatives to the heavy workload expressed by the Supreme Court, and there are also views that this might undermine the authority of the justices. I understand both perspectives, and we should address the necessary changes to the Supreme Court from the public's viewpoint as a fundamental principle. Personally, I do not hold a specific position."
In response to a question about the 'social consensus' mentioned by President Lee in relation to the pledge for completing the administrative capital in Sejong, he stated, "In order to actually implement the transfer, there needs to be a social consensus that it is acceptable to proceed with at least constitutional amendments or certain special laws that include the relocation of the National Assembly and the presidential office."
Kim remarked on the committees under the President and the Prime Minister that, "I will quickly reassess the overall situation, and if there are tasks that can be concentrated on in the short term, we will handle those. As for parts that cannot be continued, we will stop them."