[Breaking] Kim Moonsoo: "Han Deoksoo Called to Congratulate Me... I Will Answer About Unification After Taking a Breath"

Kim Moonsoo Elected as People Power Party's Presidential Candidate
"Joining Hands with Those Opposed to Lee Jaemyung"
"Primary Rivals Like Han Donghoon to Serve as Election Committee Chairs"

Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, stated on May 3, "I will join hands and work together with many people who believe it would not be desirable for Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, to become president." However, regarding the method and timing of unification with figures such as former Prime Minister Han Deoksoo, he said, "I will answer after taking a moment to catch my breath," showing a cautious stance.

Immediately after being elected as the final presidential candidate at the People Power Party's 5th party convention held at KINTEX in Ilsan, Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, Kim told reporters, "Unification is common sense: we win if we unite, and we lose if we are divided."

Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party presidential candidate, is delivering his acceptance speech as the final candidate at the 5th party convention held at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province on May 3, 2025. Photo by Yoon Dongjoo

Kim said, "We need to join hands and combine our strength with everyone who has concerns about candidate Lee Jaemyung," and added, "Former Prime Minister Han Deoksoo also called me a short while ago to offer various words of congratulations and encouragement."

Regarding former Prime Minister Han, who declared his presidential candidacy the previous day, Kim said, "I am personally close to him," and added, "We spoke for the first time after he resigned, and I expect we will meet often in the future."

However, he also said, "Since I have become the official presidential candidate of the People Power Party, I would like for these people (such as former Prime Minister Han) to join our party, but since that is not the case, there are complicated issues."

People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moonsoo is taking a commemorative photo with his wife Seol Nanyoung at the 5th Party Convention held at Kintex in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province on May 3, 2025. Photo by Yoon Dongjoo

He expressed caution regarding the method or timing of unification.

Kim stated, "It is unreasonable to demand a unification plan immediately after being elected today. I will take a moment to breathe and then answer," and explained, "The goal is unification, coalition, or alliance. Ultimately, it is about joining forces to defeat candidate Lee Jaemyung."

Kim added, "I will ensure that the public is convinced within the principles. Party members just elected me today, so if I immediately present a unification plan, they would find it strange. Therefore, I will discuss various options."

He said that he would invite candidates who competed in the primary, such as former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon, to serve as co-chairs of the election committee.

Kim remarked, "Former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo is difficult to reach by phone," but added, "We have worked together for a long time, so we are comrades and colleagues. Our friendship remains unchanged."

He also emphasized, "All those I competed against are more capable than I am. How could we achieve unity and properly lead the country without inviting them? I will invite them all to join the election campaign."

In response to some calls to consider expelling or removing former President Yoon Sukyeol from the party to secure victory in the presidential election, Kim dismissed the idea, saying, "I have never considered it."

Regarding the Liberty Unification Party led by Pastor Jeon Gwanghun of Sarang Jeil Church, he said, "I have never met them and do not even know who the representative is, but I am considering building a broad big tent."

People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moonsoo is taking a commemorative photo with emergency committee chairman Kwon Youngse, floor leader Kwon Seongdong, and other attendees at the 5th party convention held on May 3 at Kintex in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province. 2025.05.03 Photo by Yoon Dongjoo

On the direction of North Korea diplomacy if he becomes president, Kim emphasized, "When I was governor of Gyeonggi Province, there was never a case of providing cash to North Korea," and stated, "Inter-Korean projects must be humanitarian, and cash transfers are not acceptable."

He also targeted candidate Lee Jaemyung, saying, "How could it be possible for a vice governor to go to jail over inter-Korean relations? How could a vice governor arbitrarily provide tens of billions of won to Ssangbangwool? Inter-Korean relations are 100% the responsibility of the governor."

On the policy toward Japan, Kim said, "Aside from past historical issues or the Dokdo issue, is there anything to dispute? When I was governor of Gyeonggi Province, the largest number of foreign-invested companies in the province were Japanese." Regarding Dokdo, he said, "It is Korean territory. There will be no concessions."

Before the Q&A session, Kim stated, "Being elected as the candidate at today's People Power Party convention, I feel a tremendous sense of responsibility," and added, "Right now, democracy in the Republic of Korea is not functioning properly. The 'Democratic Party' is not truly 'democratic.'"