[Declaration of Candidacy Analysis] ③ First Destinations of Presidential Candidates... The Universal Topic Regardless of Camp is 'Economy'

Presidential Candidates' First Moves Highlight Their Messages
Lee Jae-myung Focuses on AI, Han Dong-hoon on Heavy Industry
Emphasizing Strengths and Addressing Weaknesses for Differentiation

From visits to artificial intelligence (AI) industry sites to hamburger shop meetings, major presidential candidates from key political parties have differentiated their first steps since announcing their candidacies. Lee Jae-myung, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, visited the AI semiconductor startup 'PuriOsaAI' on the 14th as his first external schedule after declaring his presidential bid. This move aligns with his campaign pledge that highlights 'AI' as the central theme of his growth strategy. His economic growth plan can be summarized as fostering the advanced AI industry under substantial government support to maximize economic ripple effects.

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea's presidential primary candidate, is shaking hands with Baek Jun-ho, CEO of Puriosa AI, at Puriosa AI in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on April 14, 2025. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers.

On the 9th, Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, who embarked on a business trip to the United States immediately after announcing his presidential candidacy, chose responding to U.S. tariff measures as his first move to emphasize his image as an 'economic expert.' This was a calculated event. According to Kim’s camp, after listening to companies' difficulties with high tariffs on the 31st of last month, they coordinated a visit schedule with Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan.

Former Governor of Gyeongnam Kim Kyung-soo, upon officially declaring his candidacy on the 14th, visited the graves of former Presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun and then paid a courtesy call to former President Moon Jae-in, highlighting his political lineage. Kim’s presidential bid marks a turning point for expanding his faction within the party. Political commentator Choi Soo-young said in a phone interview, "If he secures at least 20% of the votes in the primary, he could solidify his position within the party."

Kim Moon-soo, former Minister of Employment and Labor and the leading conservative presidential candidate, visited the Jeon Tae-il Memorial Hall as his first destination after declaring his candidacy. Kim said, "I believe no other candidate knows better than I do about the lowest, most vulnerable laborers, small-scale citizens, farmers, and the regionally marginalized Honam area."

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Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon made his first move by visiting the Bu-Ul-Gyeong (Busan, Ulsan, Gyeongnam) region, where conservative support is strong. After visiting manufacturing companies such as HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Myunghwa Industry in Ulsan, he engaged in walking communication with citizens in Busan, targeting the traditional conservative voter base.

People Power Party lawmaker Na Kyung-won took her first schedule after announcing her presidential bid by joining forces with former Minister Kim Moon-soo. They held a so-called 'hamburger meeting' at a fast-food restaurant in front of Chung-Ang University and listened to young people's voices on employment and housing issues. This move was seen as a nod to the party base strongly opposed to impeachment and as a strategic step toward joining the four-way primary race.

People Power Party lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo held his first presidential schedule in the medical field. Holding a roundtable with medical students and resident doctors at Korea University College of Medicine was analyzed as an effort to leverage his expertise as a physician and position himself as a reformer in medical reform. Ahn explained, "I came here because I think resolving the medical crisis is the most urgent issue."

Hong Joon-pyo, former mayor of Daegu and the last among People Power Party presidential candidates to declare his bid, is considering a youth busking event as his first external schedule. After announcing his candidacy on the 14th, he plans to focus on announcing sector-specific pledges until the 18th and engage with young people over the weekend.

Lee Jun-seok, presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, made his first move by visiting the TK region (Daegu and Gyeongbuk). After former President Yoon’s impeachment, he concentrated his campaign efforts in Daegu, Gumi in Gyeongbuk, Andong, and other areas. This is a strategic move to target the TK region, where his support rate is relatively high.