Kim Rallies Support Base
"Praises the Great Indomitable Spirit of TK"
Kim Moonsoo, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, visited the Daegu-Gyeongbuk (TK) region, a traditional conservative stronghold, on the second day of the official election campaign on May 13. He sought to rally his support base by praising former President Park Chunghee.
At the launching ceremony and appointment letter presentation for the Daegu-Gyeongbuk election campaign committee, Kim stated, "Former President Park Chunghee was a great president and a global leader who eradicated poverty and achieved the world’s strongest manufacturing industry and the world’s greatest industrial revolution."
He continued, "When I was young, I opposed former President Park, but I realized I was wrong," adding, "I visited former President Park’s grave and repented, saying, 'I, who once spat on your grave, now offer you flowers.'"
He also mentioned former President Park Geunhye. Kim said, "Her daughter, former President Park Geunhye, lost her home in Seoul and is now staying in Dalseong County, Daegu. She is of my generation," and called for a round of applause for former President Park Geunhye, who hails from Daegu-Gyeongbuk, drawing a response from his supporters.
Kim emphasized, "Whenever the nation faces a crisis or the economy struggles, I think of Daegu-Gyeongbuk," and added, "From the petroleum industry onward, the roots of the industrial revolution are here. I believe it was Daegu-Gyeongbuk that industrialized Korea and transformed it from a hungry nation into one that now talks about dieting."
He further stated, "The greatness of Daegu-Gyeongbuk lies in its spirit," describing it as "an indomitable belief that, by overcoming crises and taking a leap forward, we will surely achieve progress."
Kim also presented pledges for regional development. He promised to address key issues such as the prompt restoration of areas affected by wildfires, the construction of a new Daegu-Gyeongbuk airport, the relocation of military bases in Daegu, the promotion of the Dalbit Railway, and support for local universities. He pledged, "I will boldly transfer not only budgets but also personnel authority and licensing rights to the regions to decisively usher in a new era of local autonomy."
Prior to the Daegu-Gyeongbuk campaign committee launching ceremony, Kim visited the Daegu National Sinam Patriots Cemetery to pay his respects. On Facebook, Kim wrote, "As the only national cemetery dedicated exclusively to independence activists in Korea, this place holds great historical significance," and pledged, "Just as the independence fighters rose up to save the nation, I, Kim Moonsoo, will also devote myself to saving the country with a do-or-die determination."
After Daegu, he also visited a traditional market in Ulsan. He then planned to discuss the relocation of the Korea Development Bank at the Busan International Finance Center (BIFC), attend a declaration of support event by the Federation of Korean Trade Unions Busan Regional Headquarters at the People Power Party’s Busan branch, and participate in the Busan campaign committee launching ceremony. Finally, he will meet with merchants at Jagalchi Market.
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