Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok said on the 8th regarding recent controversies over farmland investigations, “Farmers need not worry about being disadvantaged.” The remark reflected the intention to consider the reality of farmland unrelated to speculation.
Kim made the statement after holding a farmers’ meeting at a rural site in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, and meeting with reporters. He explained, “The farmland investigation was initiated to normalize the farmland and agricultural situation by correcting speculative aspects.”
Earlier, during an appearance on the party’s official YouTube channel ‘Democratic Party TV,’ Kim addressed concerns, stating, “The purpose is to normalize the overall agricultural field situation, except for organizing speculative aspects, but recently it has been exaggerated, leading to misunderstandings and concerns.” He added that he would make further efforts to dispel these concerns.
Kim, wearing rubber boots and holding a sickle, participated in a rice-cutting experience. He later operated a combine harvester to harvest rice and helped transfer it to a truck. After the experience, he said, “Thanks to farmers, all citizens can comfortably sustain their food supply. I express gratitude to the farmers working hard for the nation’s dining tables and will implement policies to allow them to maintain their pride as agricultural workers.”
Kim’s visit occurred amid ongoing rural backlash against the government’s comprehensive farmland investigation. Since the investigation began in May, rural communities have voiced anxieties, including claims that “the government is trying to seize land” and “policies targeting speculators harm innocent tenant farmers.” The government and ruling party decided on September 21 to postpone forced sales if conventional leases, fallow land, etc., excluding speculation, are entrusted to the Farmland Bank.
Regarding his pledge to raise the party’s approval rating by 10 percentage points within 100 days of taking office, Kim stated, “We are in the process of change to halt the downward trend of the approval rating and stabilize it.” Elected in the August 17 party convention, Kim marked his 53rd day in office on that day.
He added, “I said I would restore support around the 100th day, but there are more than 50 days left. We have laid the foundation for the initial start.” He noted, “We have completed the basic setup, including forming various task forces,” and “In about a month or two, we will present a structured direction for the new system of the Democratic Party.”
Kim emphasized, “Just as rice grows with attention, watering, and management, stable and successful state affairs will make the nation and its people comfortable. I request continued interest, support, and affectionate demands so the president, state affairs, and the ruling party can perform their duties well.”
Accompanying Kim during his visit were Democratic Party of Korea Rep. Seo Sam-seok, chairman of the National Assembly’s Agriculture, Forestry, and Livestock Committee; Democratic Party floor leader Yoon Joon-byung of the committee; Rep. Yoon Jong-goon, whose constituency is Anseong, Gyeonggi; Chief of Staff Kim Tae-sun; and Spokesperson Shin Hyun-young, among others.
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