Kim Moonsoo Finally Apologizes for Martial Law, but 'Yoon Sukyeol Issue' Remains [The Remark That Shook the Presidential Race]

"First Public Apology Acknowledging Public Suffering"
Cho Seungrae: "A Mirror Image of Yoon Sukyeol... Not a Genuine Apology"

On May 12, the first official day of campaigning for the 21st presidential election, the most notable comment was an apology from Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, regarding the 12·3 Martial Law Incident. Although there are observations that Kim is beginning to distance himself from former President Yoon Sukyeol, significant challenges remain ahead.

After visiting Seomun Market in Daegu on May 12, Kim stated in an interview with Channel A, "I sincerely apologize to the people who have suffered due to martial law." He added, "The public has found the imposition of martial law extremely difficult. While the economy and domestic politics are already challenging, there are also many difficulties in exports and diplomatic relations."

Yonhap News

Kim's remarks attracted extraordinary attention, even being reported as breaking news. Until now, Kim had maintained a principled stance regarding former President Yoon's declaration of martial law, saying, "I did not attend, but even if I had, I would not have supported it." Within the People Power Party, this apology has been interpreted as a reflection of the candidate's genuine feelings. It is also being seen as a possible way out of the uncomfortable situation caused by former President Yoon's endorsement of Kim on May 11.

Kim Yongtae, chair of the People Power Party's emergency committee, and others have also called for a clear stance on past issues, but their voices have not gained traction. Resolving the matter of former President Yoon's expulsion from the party and clarifying Kim's position on impeachment are also challenges that Kim must address.

There is criticism that Kim's apology was not a premeditated message but rather a comment made in response to a question during the interview. Cho Seungrae, chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party's election committee, pointed out, "Saying you are sorry because the public feels pain, without addressing the rights and wrongs of the insurrection itself, does not constitute an apology."

Meanwhile, Kwon Youngguk, the Democratic Labor Party's presidential candidate, spent the first day of official campaigning on May 12 visiting workers conducting high-altitude protests in Seoul. Kwon pledged, "A contest between two major parties without progressive voices only means the disappearance of alternatives," and vowed, "As the only progressive presidential candidate, I will make my voice heard."