Prime Minister Kim Min-seok answers questions during an interpellation session on politics, foreign affairs, unification, and national security at the 4th plenary session of the 432nd National Assembly (extraordinary session) at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 9th. /Courtesy of News1

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on the 9th dismissed the possibility of running for the Democratic Party of Korea leadership election in August during a National Assembly interpellation session, saying, "Now is the time to focus on state affairs."

Yoon Hu-duk, a Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker, asked the prime minister, "It seems you have given up running for Seoul mayor," and added, "Will you return to the party after the June local elections?"

In response, the prime minister said, "I have already said that I will not run in the Seoul mayoral election," and added, "I have repeatedly said that I am focusing on state affairs now."

Yoon then asked, "Will you remain an ordinary party member even at the late-August party convention?" The prime minister repeated that he is "in a position of focusing on state affairs."

Yoon answered, "That's right. You should focus on state affairs," and wrapped up the questioning.

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