Kim Moonsoo, 74, Demonstrates Stamina with Exercise During Sit-in... Hong Joonpyo Says "Seems Conscious of His Age"

Interpretations of the 'Steel Stamina Politics' Strategy
Extending from the Presidential Election

Kim Moonsoo, 74, a candidate for the People Power Party leader, showcased his health and determination through a performance in the form of exercise, as he continued his sit-in to block the special prosecutor's attempt to search the party's central headquarters regarding Kim Keonhee. Protesting the special prosecutor's attempt to obtain the party member list, Kim began an indefinite sit-in and, on the 15th, broadcasted himself exercising in the lobby of the Yeouido party headquarters, demonstrating his enduring physical stamina.

Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, stretching during an indefinite sit-in on the first floor of the Yeouido Central Party Office on the 15th. YouTube Kim Moonsoo TV

From the day after the sit-in began, Kim appeared in videos released on his YouTube channel, "Kim Moonsoo TV," where he took off his suit jacket and performed a variety of exercises for about eight minutes, including push-ups, bicycle kicks, leg stretches, and full-body twists. In particular, when he performed a Taekwondo punch in a horse stance, his supporters cheered him on with chants of "Let's take them down." After finishing his workout, Kim remarked, "Ah, I feel refreshed," and immediately resumed his sit-in.

During the sit-in, Kim was also seen exchanging opinions with other party contenders. At the Liberation Day ceremony, Kim expressed support for Ahn Cheolsoo, who held a placard opposing pardons for Cho Kuk and Yoon Mihyang, saying, "You can't do something like this unless you're prepared to be criticized." Ahn responded, "Candidate Kim is also doing something truly difficult."

Interpretations of the 'Steel Stamina Politics' Strategy Continuing Since the Presidential Election

This exercise performance is also being interpreted as an extension of Kim's ongoing competition to project an image of physical strength, which began during the presidential election. In the last election, he drew attention with a video of himself doing pull-ups on a bar while wearing a suit, and since then, he has continued to emphasize his physical health by sharing posts on social media showing himself doing pull-ups and hula-hooping on Gwanaksan Mountain.

Some observers commented that it "looks like a show" or "lacks political dignity," but former Daegu mayor Hong Joonpyo explained on the communication channel "Dream of Youth" that Kim's actions were intended to highlight that "his physical age is on par with any other candidate," attributing the performance to his awareness of his age.