Kim Moonsoo Says "Regretful About People Power Party's Lethargy... Must Build a Winning Party"

Kim Moonsoo Meets with District Party Chairs to Hear Opinions
"There Are Voices Calling for Me to Run for Party Leader"

Kim Moonsoo, former Minister of Employment and Labor and the People Power Party candidate in the 6·3 presidential election, met with Seoul district party committee chairpersons from the People Power Party on the 15th to hear their opinions on the party's direction for reform. Although Kim did not officially declare his candidacy for party leader, he stated, "It is important to make the People Power Party a party that wins," signaling a strong inclination toward running.

Former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moonsoo, who was the People Power Party candidate in the last presidential election, is posing while having a meeting with local youth at a cafe in Jung-gu, Daegu on the afternoon of the 11th. Photo by Yonhap News

After having lunch with the committee chairpersons at a Chinese restaurant in Yeouido, Seoul, Kim told reporters, "There were voices calling for me to run for party leader," but added, "Since the date for the party convention has not been set yet, I don't think it's appropriate to talk about that at this stage."

Regarding the recent demand by the People Power Party's Innovation Committee for lawmakers responsible for former President Yoon Suk Yeol's emergency martial law declaration and the impeachment crisis to apologize, Kim said, "During the election campaign, I repeatedly made deep bows and apologized," and added, "I need to see specifically what kind of apology they are asking for and how it should be made."

Previously, Innovation Committee Chairperson Yoon Heesook presented the first reform proposal to include a letter of apology in the party's constitution and regulations, stating, "Those responsible for the party's current state should apologize individually." In response, party leadership contenders such as Jang Donghyuk and Na Kyungwon, as well as other members of the old guard, pushed back, asking, "How long are we going to keep apologizing?"

Kim said, "After the martial law and impeachment, and also with the process of selecting our (presidential) candidate, many difficulties overlapped and that's why we lost the election," adding, "However, I expressed my gratitude to those who worked hard."

Lee Chung-hyung, former spokesperson for the People Power Party's election committee and an attendee at the luncheon, reported that Kim said in his opening remarks, "I feel regretful about the party's lethargic attitude of prioritizing internal interests and being unable to set a date for the party convention."

According to Lee, Kim stated, "I have neither ambition nor desire for honor," and emphasized, "No matter who becomes the leader, it is important to make the party one that wins and one that can save the country. Next year's local elections are important, and in politics, the will of the people and democracy from the ground up are essential."