Kim Moon-su "I am the right choice against defendant Lee Jae-myung because I am clean"... Presidential Election Candidacy Declaration

"Anti-Liberal Democratic Forces Remain... I Will Not Back Down"
"Against Defendant Lee Jae-myung, Clean-Handed Kim Moon-soo Is the Perfect Match"
"The Center Means Working for the Vulnerable... I Have No Personal Ambition"

Kim Moon-soo, former Minister of Employment and Labor and the leading conservative presidential candidate in the polls, officially declared his candidacy for the presidential election on the 9th, stating, "I will restore the identity of the Republic of Korea." Through his announcement, he expressed confidence that he could defeat Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and emphasized his commitment to creating a "Great Republic of Korea" through bold innovation and reform. He also pledged to "actively pursue" the much-discussed constitutional amendment in politics.

Former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moon-soo held a press conference at the National Assembly on the 9th to announce his candidacy for the 21st presidential election. 2025.4.9 Photo by Kim Hyun-min

At a presidential primary declaration held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the same day, former Minister Kim said, "Watching the president I elected being impeached during their term, I could not help but feel deep sorrow and responsibility as a cabinet member who was responsible for state affairs," adding, "With a determination to move forward and make Korea great again, I am running in the 21st presidential election."

Kim emphasized, "There are forces in our society that persistently uphold pro-North Korea, anti-American, pro-China, and anti-business policies under the banner of people's democracy, denying liberal democracy and shaking the foundation of the country," and stated, "I will not back down against those who wage a systemic war to destroy the national identity." He also said, "I will firmly correct Lee Jae-myung's Democratic Party, which is leading Korea into chaos and ruin with lies and sweet talk."

Kim said, "Isn't clean-handed Kim Moon-soo, who has nothing to lose, the perfect candidate to face Lee Jae-myung, who is on trial for 12 charges?" and added, "Only I, Kim Moon-soo, who will never be summoned by the prosecution over money issues, can do this."

"Development of Nuclear-Powered Submarines... Actively Pursuing Constitutional Amendment"

In the economic sector, he promised to lead a new leap forward. He said, "By expanding AI infrastructure and investment, I will elevate Korea to the world's top 6 global AI ranking, making it a G3 country alongside the U.S. and China," and added, "I will boldly invest in ventures and startups and innovate financial regulations to make Korea a country where the spirit of entrepreneurship thrives."

In the security sector, he pledged to develop nuclear fuel reprocessing capabilities and nuclear-powered submarines. Kim said, "I will comprehensively negotiate with the Trump administration on defense cost-sharing and nuclear fuel reprocessing issues to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance." Regarding the constitutional amendment issue, he said, "Kim Moon-soo is someone who even went to prison to win the direct presidential election system," and added, "While maintaining the direct presidential election system, I will actively pursue a constitutional amendment that unites the people's aspirations."

Kim plans to expand his influence within the party by leveraging 'Yoon's support.' Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, met Kim at the National Assembly before his declaration and said, "You are someone who has dedicated your life to Korean democracy," adding, "It is an honor to have you as one of the primary candidates." People Power Party lawmakers In Yo-han, Park Soo-young, and Lee Man-hee also attended Kim's declaration event.

Former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moon-soo is shaking hands and taking a commemorative photo with Kwon Young-se, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, and Kwon Seong-dong, Floor Leader, at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 9th. Photo by Yonhap News

Challenge of Expanding to the Center... "I Will Work for the Vulnerable"

While Kim Moon-soo enjoys strong support from the party's hardline pro-Yoon faction, some question his ability to expand to the political center. After his declaration, Kim told reporters, "Looking at the path I have lived, is there anyone who has lived more fiercely and integrated the lives of the left, right, and center than me? If there is someone who knows the lives of the vulnerable better than Kim Moon-soo, come forward," emphasizing his point.

He added, "The center means caring for and working for the vulnerable," and said, "I am someone who once dreamed of revolution." Kim said, "I originally had no intention, but I came out due to the desperate situation of the country and the call of the people," adding, "I have no personal ambition. I am here today to create a world where the vulnerable have hope, justice stands firm, and the corrupt go to prison."

Kim's presidential candidacy is expected to become a variable in the party's primary race if the hardline support base consolidates. Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, for example, criticized Kim the day before, saying, "Moon-soo hyung is like the Taliban. There are moments when compromise is necessary, and I have flexibility," showing a stance of restraint. Perhaps considering this, Kim showed flexibility on the day, saying, "Whether it is grand unity or a grand coalition, we must do whatever is good for the country." If Kim's candidacy consolidates the hardline support base, the standing of anti-Yoon (anti-Yoon Seok-yeol) candidates such as former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon within the party may further diminish.