Seoul: People Power Party (PPP) candidate Kim Moon-soo officially launched his presidential campaign at a traditional market in Seoul, following internal party disputes over a potential candidacy merger with former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim is among seven candidates who have declared their intentions for the June 3 presidential election. The election was called after former President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached in December due to his unsuccessful attempt at martial law. Kim's main competitor is Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung, who currently holds a significant lead in opinion polls.
Kim, a former labor minister, began his campaign with a visit to Garak Market, meeting vendors and focusing on economic and livelihood issues. He emphasized his vision of making South Korea a better place to live. Addressing recent intraparty conflicts regarding a unified candidacy with Han, Kim stated that the disagreements ultimately led to "stronger unity" within the party.
In a Realmeter poll released Sunday, Lee Jae-myung received 52.1 percent support compared to Kim's 31.1 percent in a hypothetical three-way race, which also included Lee Jun-seok of the minor New Reform Party. Despite the current standings, Kim expressed confidence in closing the gap with Lee as the election approaches.
Kim's campaign pledges include reducing business regulations and corporate taxes to create a more business-friendly environment. If elected, he plans to negotiate a trade deal with U.S. President Donald Trump to alleviate broad tariffs. Additionally, Kim aims to support the artificial intelligence sector by fostering 200,000 young professionals and creating a private-public fund worth 100 trillion won (U$71.2 billion) through foreign investment.
On security matters, Kim proposed developing nuclear-powered submarines to counter threats from Pyongyang and pursuing unification with North Korea to aid its suffering population. "Progressivism should bring prosperity, not poverty. I want to tear apart fake progressivism," Kim stated.
Later today, Kim will visit a national cemetery in Daejeon to honor veterans who defended South Korea against North Korean provocations. He will also travel to Daegu to rally support in the conservative stronghold.