Kim Moon-soo "Will Announce Presidential Candidacy Tomorrow... Very Regrettable to Dismiss Yoon"

Resignation Announced at Cabinet Meeting... Minister's Farewell Ceremony in the Afternoon
"All Must Unite to Overcome National Crisis... I Will Join the Effort"
On Constitutional Amendment: "Consensus Needed, I Respect the Process"

Kim Moon-soo, Minister of Employment and Labor and a leading presidential candidate from the People Power Party, announced his intention to run for the next presidential election on the 8th, saying, "The country is in a difficult situation, and I feel a responsibility to resolve these issues."

Minister Kim plans to resign from his ministerial position on the same day and officially declare his candidacy at the National Assembly on the 9th.

On the 8th, at the State Council meeting held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Kim Moon-soo, Minister of Employment and Labor, who expressed his intention to resign, spoke to the press after the meeting concluded. Minister Kim will officially begin preparations for the presidential election after his retirement ceremony in the afternoon. Photo by Yonhap News.

After the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Complex Seoul on the morning of the same day, Minister Kim told reporters, "The country is in a very serious crisis," adding, "It is necessary for the political circle and all citizens to unite to overcome the national crisis and work together for further development. I will also join in that effort."

Minister Kim expressed his intention to resign at the Cabinet meeting that day. At 3 p.m., a farewell ceremony for the minister will be held at the Government Complex Sejong.

When asked about his official declaration of candidacy, he said, "I think it should be done tomorrow," and stated that it would be held at the National Assembly.

Minister Kim, who has repeatedly expressed opposition to the impeachment of former President Yoon Seok-yeol, has maintained the highest approval ratings among conservative candidates in various opinion polls even before the impeachment.

Regarding this, Minister Kim said, "It is the will of the people, and I find it very unexpected and take it very seriously," adding, "I did not ask for their support, but I see this as a reflection of the unfortunate political reality of our country and the frustration of the people."

About former President Yoon, he said, "President Yoon appointed me, which is how I became Minister of Employment and Labor," and added, "I hoped for President Yoon's return, so it is very regrettable that he was impeached this time."

When asked if he communicated with former President Yoon during the decision-making process for running in the presidential election, he said, "There has been no communication about running or anything like that so far."

Regarding the constitutional amendment debate, a hot topic in the political arena, he said, "Many constitutional scholars and politicians are deeply considering whether there are problems with our country's constitutional and power structures and whether it is right to amend them," adding, "I am also giving this serious thought."

He continued, "(Constitutional amendment) is not an academic decision but one decided by the National Assembly and a national referendum, so a direction where various agreements are reached is necessary," and said, "I want to respect such a process."

Regarding Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea and the frontrunner in the next presidential election polls, he said, "I personally know him well. He was the mayor of Seongnam when I was governor," adding, "I believe the public perceives him even more than I do."