Kim Moonsoo Appeals for Public Support at Sindorim Station
Some Supporters Criticize Party Divisions
Education Pledges Targeting the Middle Class: "Strengthening Teachers' Authority"
Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, launched his first campaign event targeting Seoul commuters on May 15, the fourth day of the official election campaign. Until the previous day, Kim had focused his campaign efforts in Yeongnam, a traditional conservative stronghold. This week, he plans to tour Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, aiming to win over voters in the capital region and appeal to moderates. In recognition of Teachers' Day, he also announced education pledges centered on strengthening teachers' authority.
Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, is greeting commuters and appealing for support at Sindorim Station in Guro-gu, Seoul on May 15, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
On the morning of May 15, Kim held his first campaign event in the Seoul metropolitan area at Exit 1 of Sindorim Station in Guro-gu, greeting commuters. Wearing a red baseball jersey with "Number 2 Kim Moonsoo" written on it, Kim shook hands with people passing through the ticket gates and appealed for their support. Kim Yongtae, who has been nominated as the emergency committee chair, stood beside Kim and repeatedly bowed his head. Some supporters cheered, shouting "Kim Moonsoo, President," or asked to take selfies with him.
However, reflecting the recent turmoil over the Kim Moonsoo-Han Ducksoo campaign unification dispute, some voices at the scene criticized the party's internal divisions. Several citizens shouted at Chairman Kim, saying, "What are Han Donghoon and Cho Kyungtae doing? While the people are anxious, all you do is cause internal strife." Since it was a rainy morning, some commuters also complained, saying, "Don't block the passageway," creating a somewhat chaotic atmosphere, in contrast to the campaign events in Yeongnam.
Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, is greeting commuters and appealing for support at Sindorim Station in Guro-gu, Seoul on May 15, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
Until the previous day, Kim had spent three days touring Daegu-Gyeongbuk (TK) and Busan-Gyeongnam (PK), solidifying support in Yeongnam. For the remainder of the week, he plans to focus on Seoul and Gyeonggi, the largest "voter base" in the country. In the morning, he visited the Korea Federation of SMEs in Yeouido, where he criticized the Serious Accidents Punishment Act and the Yellow Envelope Act, stating, "I will make sure these bad laws do not trouble you. I will become a president who serves small and medium-sized businesses."
Kim also unveiled education pledges targeting the middle class. He promised to change the current system of directly electing superintendents to either a "mayor/governor running mate system" or an "appointment by the head of the local government," in order to strengthen political neutrality and transparency. The goal is to change the current situation where schools have become politicized due to the direct election system.
He also proposed measures to strengthen teachers' authority, such as ensuring that if a teacher is reported for child abuse and an investigation is underway, the case will be dismissed only if the superintendent submits an opinion that the teacher's disciplinary action was justified. If a teacher is sued, the local education office will provide initial legal support through a designated law firm. Kim emphasized his commitment to strengthening public education and reducing private education costs, stating, "Even children born into disadvantaged families will be able to climb the social ladder through quality education."
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