New Democratic Party Leader Kim Min-seok Takes Helm as Lee Calls for Korean War Peace Talks
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Kim Min-seok was elected to lead the ruling Democratic Party on August 17, 2026, and will support the administration of Lee Jae Myung. On August 19, 2026, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for peace talks with North Korea in a speech for Korean Liberation Day. Kim attended a memorial ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery marking 17 years since the death of Kim Dae-jung, where Lee delivered a tribute read by chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik. The peace initiative was announced on the occasion of Korean Liberation Day.
Sources
- Yonhap: New ruling party leader vows to support Lee's policy agenda
- Yonhap: Lee stresses growth, inclusion in tribute to late President Kim Dae-jung
- Yonhap: Politicians call for unity on death anniv. of ex-President Kim Dae-jung
- Yonhap: Today in Korean history
- ABC Australia: Why Seoul has called for peace talks to formally end the Korean War