Kim Moonsoo Focuses on Aggressive, Head-On Debate Strategy in Bid to Boost Poll Numbers

Lee Jaemyung's "Basic Society" and Judicial Risk Under Fire
Direct Confrontation on Martial Law, Yoon's Impeachment, and Medical-Political Conflict

Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, is focusing on preparing for the second televised debate of the 21st presidential election, scheduled for 8:00 p.m. on May 23, 2025. Kim is concentrating his efforts on creating a turning point in the race against Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate. Regarding politically disadvantageous issues such as the 12·3 Martial Law, he plans to address them candidly and push through head-on.

Shin Dongwook, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party's Central Election Committee, told reporters at the party's headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, that "since the second TV debate is scheduled, all activities except for the morning have been cleared for the day." The second presidential debate, hosted by the National Election Commission, will take place at 8:00 p.m. at KBS in Yeouido, Seoul, focusing on the topic of "society."

Kim sees the debate as an opportunity to rebound in the polls. He plans to intensify his criticism of Lee Jaemyung's pledges, including pension reform, responses to the climate crisis, and the "basic society" initiative. Previously, Lee Jaemyung has emphasized his national pension reform pledge, which includes measures such as increasing both contributions and benefits, as well as expanding military service credits.

In addition, Kim plans to scrutinize Lee Jaemyung's moral integrity. Notably, Kim Yongtae, a member of the People Power Party's emergency committee, on May 20 criticized the Democratic Party and Lee Jaemyung, stating, "The social influence of the president's spouse is significant, but the vetting has been severely lacking," and even proposed a debate between the presidential candidates' spouses. A member of the People Power Party's election committee commented, "In terms of the level of aggression, it will be even stronger than during the first debate."

As the debate topics include "overcoming social conflict and integration measures," issues such as the 12·3 Martial Law, the impeachment of former President Yoon Sukyeol, and conflicts between the medical and political sectors are also expected to be addressed. During the first debate, Kim Moonsoo stated that the martial law was "wrong." On the previous day, Kim visited the Korean Medical Association in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, and said, "As a government official and as a citizen, I sincerely apologize," thereby taking steps to mediate the conflict between the medical and political sectors.

Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, and his spouse, Seol Nanyoung, are appealing for support at a focused campaign rally held on May 22, 2025, at Bucheon Station Maru Plaza in Bucheon City, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Kim Hyunmin