Kim Moonsoo Leaves Door Open for Candidacy Merger After TV Debate: "I Always Hope to Work with Lee Junseok"

When Asked About the Basis for "Atomic Bomb Safety," Kim Says, "They Told Me They've Calculated All the Strength"
"Political Debate... The Topic Doesn't Matter"

Kim Moonsoo, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, stated on the 18th, "Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, is a former leader of our party, and I have always hoped he would work together with us."

After finishing the first candidate debate for the 21st presidential election, held at the SBS studio in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Kim spoke to reporters. When asked about the possibility of unifying his candidacy with Lee Junseok, he replied, "Of course, I think it should be considered. There is absolutely no difference between us in terms of party, policy, or political beliefs. It is very unfortunate that, due to our mistakes, he ended up leaving and acting separately."

Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, is preparing for the first candidate debate of the 21st presidential election, hosted by the National Election Broadcasting Debate Commission, held on the 18th at the SBS Prism Center studio in Sangam-dong, Seoul. 2025.5.18 Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

When a reporter asked for the basis of Kim's remark that "even if an atomic bomb falls on a nuclear power plant, it is safe," he responded, "A few days ago, I visited Doosan Heavy Industries and asked what would happen if an atomic bomb like those dropped on Hiroshima or Nagasaki were to fall. They said they had fully calculated the strength for such a scenario."

Earlier in the debate, Kim showed a contrasting view on nuclear power with Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party. While Lee argued that nuclear power plants pose a high risk of accidents and that the proportion of renewable energy should be increased, Kim countered, "Our country is a global nuclear power leader. I have actually visited a nuclear power plant for a safety inspection, and I was told that even if an atomic bomb were to fall directly on a nuclear power plant, it would not be destroyed or malfunction. It is extremely safe," adding, "People keep thinking nuclear power is dangerous because of a single movie, but a well-managed nuclear power plant is not dangerous; it is even safer and more environmentally friendly."

Regarding his strategy for the third debate on politics, scheduled for the 27th, Kim said, "There are so many things to address in the political field," and expressed confidence, stating, "It doesn't matter what the topic is; I can engage in a heated debate."