"I Will Strive to Dispel Allegations of Election Fraud"
"An Extraordinary Measure Is Lee Junseok; We Will Unite"
Apologizes for 'Miss Garak Market' Remark... "Respect for Women"
Kim Moonsoo, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, stated on May 21 that he would "do his best to dispel suspicions of election fraud" in response to former President Yoon Sukyeol watching a film related to allegations of election fraud.
During the Korea Broadcasting Journalists Club presidential candidate debate held at the MBN Media Center in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, Kim was asked whether former President Yoon's viewing of the election fraud-related film would benefit the People Power Party's campaign. He responded as above.
On the 21st, Kim Moonsoo, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, is drinking water at the Korea Broadcasting Journalists Club presidential candidate invitation debate held at the MBN Media Center in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Yonhap News
Kim said, "I have not seen the film," but added, "However, elections in the Republic of Korea must be fair. If any voter raises suspicions of election fraud, the National Election Commission should provide explanations and continue efforts to clarify those suspicions."
Earlier that morning, former President Yoon watched the film "Election Fraud: Is It the Work of God?"?which deals with election fraud?at a movie theater in Dongdaemun District, Seoul, accompanied by Jeon Hangil and others.
Regarding former President Yoon's declaration of martial law and impeachment, Kim said, "I am clearly opposed to martial law. As for the impeachment, I raised issues due to various procedural problems, but since the Constitutional Court has already made a ruling, I respect and accept that decision."
He continued, "The Constitutional Court has already ruled on the unconstitutional aspects of martial law. As for the illegal aspects, whether martial law constitutes insurrection under criminal law is still under dispute, and since this is currently being handled by the Seoul Central District Court, I will respect the process."
On the impact of former President Yoon's voluntary withdrawal from the party on the election, Kim said, "It will have a positive effect. Although there are many controversies and various variables regarding approval ratings, overall, it will be helpful."
Kim continued to reach out to Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party.
When asked about measures to increase approval ratings during the remaining campaign period, he said, "The most extraordinary measure would be Lee Junseok, who used to be our party's leader and is now running independently. In the end, Lee will unite with me, and together we can lead our party to a great victory in the presidential election."
He added, "Although Lee is currently outside the party, all of his roots, relationships, and future direction are aligned with the People Power Party. Lee himself does not believe he will remain with an independent party, and he knows well how difficult it is to run an independent party in the reality of Korean politics. Therefore, I am confident that things will work out in the end."
When asked if this meant unification under Kim's candidacy, he replied, "Yes," and emphasized, "I will do my utmost to represent the hopes of all citizens as a true leader of our Republic of Korea."
Regarding his previous comment that the Constitutional Court's 8-0 ruling on former President Yoon's impeachment was a 'ruling of a communist state,' Kim said, "My expression was excessive. I thought it would be more democratic if minority opinions or other debates were revealed, but criticizing the ruling itself was wrong. I respect the Constitutional Court's decision."
People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Munsu is campaigning on the 21st at Sau Culture and Sports Square in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Yonhap News
When asked whether he would sever ties with parties such as the Liberty Unification Party led by Pastor Jeon Gwanghun, Kim said, "The Democratic Party freely holds candlelight rallies, supports the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions' illegal strikes, the Yellow Envelope Act, and even the Progressive Party. It is not fair to criticize only the People Power Party for having protest groups outside the party."
Kim also apologized for his 'Miss Garak Market' remark.
He said, "I have only one daughter. I respect women more than anyone and believe that women's rights and interests must be enhanced. Both genders should be equal, and no gender should be discriminated against. Living together in equality and harmony is what gender equality means."
Regarding reports that his wife, Seol Nanyeong, scolded him after the 'Miss Garak Market' remark, Kim said, "My wife always scolds me. She points out things most painfully. Whenever I go home, my wife always has many criticisms."
Previously, on May 19, Seol said on Maeil Newspaper's YouTube program 'Lee Dongjae's News Cabinet' regarding the 'Miss Garak Market' remark, "I gave him a piece of my mind. Our younger generation really dislikes terms like 'Miss Korea' or 'Miss Garak.' I told him never to say such things."
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