Kim Moonsoo Visits Daejeon National Cemetery for First Regional Schedule
"Honoring the Spirit of Sacrifice Is Fundamental to the Nation"
Kim Moonsoo, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, stated on the 12th that he would "discuss" the remarks made by Kim Yongtae, the newly appointed Emergency Response Committee Chairperson, who said that "the mistakes of martial law and impeachment must be acknowledged."
After paying respects at the Cheonan ship gravesite at the National Daejeon National Cemetery in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Kim Moonsoo met with reporters and was asked whether his position had changed in response to Kim Yongtae's comments that an apology and reflection on martial law and impeachment were necessary. He replied, "We will discuss that matter thoroughly and announce our position."
People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moonsoo is paying respects at the gravesite of the 46 Cheonan ship heroes at the National Daejeon National Cemetery on the 12th. Photo by Yonhap News
Earlier that morning, at the first Central Election Countermeasures Committee meeting held at the People Power Party's headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, Kim Yongtae stated, "The People Power Party must acknowledge as mistakes both the imposition of martial law by a president from our party and the failure to achieve cooperative politics with the president before martial law was declared."
Kim Yongtae added, "The core of communication is the courage to recognize achievements as achievements and faults as faults," and emphasized, "The party must admit that it failed to hold the president properly accountable for his mistakes."
Kim Moonsoo, a leading anti-impeachment (anti-tanheok) figure within the party, has never issued a clear apology regarding incidents such as the impeachment crisis of former President Yoon Sukyeol.
Regarding his choice of the National Cemetery as his first regional schedule, Kim Moonsoo said, "Regardless of politics, it is fundamental for the nation that all citizens come to pay their respects and honor the spirit of these individuals' noble sacrifices," adding, "Many have given their lives to maintain peace in the Republic of Korea and ensure that citizens can live safely."
Regarding the difficulties faced in fulfilling former President Yoon Sukyeol's pledge to establish the National Patriots and Veterans Park, Kim Moonsoo said, "If it is for the purpose of honoring the families of patriots and veterans more respectfully, I will do everything I can," stressing, "How can our homeland remain strong if we do not honor those who gave their lives for the country?"
On this day, Kim Moonsoo visited and paid respects at the gravesites of national contributors, the fallen of the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong and the Yeonpyeong Island artillery battle, the 46 Cheonan ship heroes, and Warrant Officer Han Junho. He was accompanied by Kim Yongtae, delegation leader Lee Manhee, and lawmakers Kang Seungkyu, Park Deokhum, Um Taeyoung, and Lee Jongbae.
When asked about not visiting the grave of Corporal Chae, who died during a search for missing persons in heavy rains under the Yoon Sukyeol administration, Kim Moonsoo said, "I apologize for not being able to pay respects at every single grave."
Later in the day, Kim Moonsoo is scheduled to move to Seomun Market in Daegu, known as the 'heart of conservatism,' to inspect the local economy and campaign.
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