Kim Moonsoo Joins Hands with Sohn Hakkyu: "10% Cut in Lawmakers and Political Overhaul"

Rationalizing Presidential Appointment Authority... Promoting Generational Change
Reforming Judiciary and Election Commission... Introducing Judicial Obstruction Offense

Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, announced a political reform plan together with Sohn Hakkyu, former leader of the Bareunmirae Party. In addition to the previously proposed constitutional amendment for a four-year presidential term with the possibility of one re-election, contingent on shortening the next president's term, they also put forward proposals to rationalize the president's appointment authority and reduce the number of National Assembly members.

On the morning of May 22, Kim held an emergency press conference on political reform at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido. Sohn made a surprise appearance at the event. Sohn, who had previously supported former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, stated, "I believe that only Kim Moonsoo can save the Republic of Korea." While Sohn said he would not take on an official position in the election campaign committee, he added, "I will do whatever is necessary if it will be of help."

On May 22, Sohn Hakkyu, leader of the Bareunmirae Party, raised the hand of Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, declaring his support during an emergency press conference on political reform held at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul. 2025.5.22 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

As a measure to reform the imperial presidency, Kim pledged to rationalize the president's appointment authority. He explained that, through discussions between the ruling and opposition parties, key positions that closely support the president's national policy philosophy (the so-called "Plum Book," a list of public offices appointed by the presidential office) would be designated, and the influence of the presidential office would be blocked for all other positions. By enacting a "no parachute appointments law," grounds for dismissal would be established if parachute appointments not included in the Plum Book are discovered.

Kim said, "I will ensure that at least one-third of cabinet ministers are in their 40s or younger, making it natural to appoint a prime minister in their 40s as well," and added, "I will also actively appoint CEOs from the private sector who have proven abilities." He also proposed a 10% reduction in the number of National Assembly members.

Kim also presented plans for judicial reform and reform of the National Election Commission. He intends to stipulate in the Constitution that impeachment motions against judges cannot be filed based on the content of their rulings, and to introduce a new criminal offense of judicial obstruction. For the National Election Commission, he proposed establishing an external audit and oversight system through a special audit committee.

After announcing his political reform plan, Kim will continue his fourth consecutive day of campaigning in the Seoul metropolitan area. He will meet with the heads of the five major economic organizations at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry to hear their concerns, and discuss issues related to the conflict between the Korean Medical Association and the government. He will then sign a policy agreement with the Korean National Council of Women and inspect a daycare center in Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province. Finally, he plans to hold a focused campaign rally in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, which he considers his "political hometown."