Seoul: People Power Party (PPP) candidate Kim Moon-soo on Monday apologized for the public's suffering caused by former President Yoon Suk Yeol's December 3 martial law attempt, as he launched his campaign for the June 3 presidential election. This marked Kim's first public comment on the crisis that ultimately led to Yoon's removal from office. Kim solidified his presidential candidacy for the conservative party following internal party discussions over a potential candidacy merger with former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim expressed his regret in an interview with cable TV channel Channel A, stating, "I sincerely apologize to the people who have suffered from the martial law imposition. The public has had a difficult time since the martial law attempt. The economy and domestic politics are in difficulty, and so are exports and diplomacy." Kim emphasized that he would not have agreed to the martial law imposition, stating, "Democracy is built on dialogue, compromise and patience, not martial law."
The stance of the PPP presidential candidate on the failed martial law attempt has been a significant focus ahead of the upcoming election. Speaking to reporters after a campaign rally in Daegu, Kim mentioned that he would consult with his campaign team on how to address the incident. Kim noted that Yoon faced significant challenges due to the Democratic Party (DP)'s parliamentary majority blocking his policy agenda.
Having secured the PPP nomination, Kim will compete against DP candidate Lee Jae-myung, who currently leads in the polls. Kim, a former labor minister, visited Garak Market early in the morning to connect with vendors, highlighting his commitment to economic and livelihood issues. He stated, "I think I should be a president who makes South Korea a better place to live," while wearing a red jumper.
Kim addressed the recent intraparty disagreements over a unified candidacy with Han, suggesting that the debate ultimately fostered "stronger unity" within the conservative party. Calling the election race "very dynamic," Kim expressed confidence in narrowing the gap with the DP's Lee.
According to a Realmeter poll released Sunday, Lee garnered 52.1 percent support compared to Kim's 31.1 percent in a hypothetical three-way race, which also included Lee Jun-seok of the minor New Reform Party. With the election approaching, Kim outlined key campaign pledges focused on reducing business regulations and corporate taxes to create a business-friendly environment.
If elected, Kim pledged to pursue an early summit with U.S. President Donald Trump to negotiate a trade deal aimed at easing broad tariffs. He also announced support measures for the artificial intelligence sector, aiming to foster 200,000 young professionals and create a private-public fund valued at 100 trillion won (U$71.2 billion) through foreign investment.
On security matters, Kim vowed to develop nuclear-powered submarines to counter Pyongyang's nuclear threats and pursue unification with North Korea to alleviate the suffering from hunger and oppression. "Progressivism should bring prosperity, not poverty. I want to tear apart fake progressivism," he declared.
Later in the day, Kim was scheduled to visit a national cemetery in Daejeon to pay tribute to veterans who defended South Korea against North Korean provocations in the western sea.