Kim Moon-soo wins conservative nomination in a crucial moment for South Korean politics. He defeated rival Han Dong-hoon by securing 56.5 percent of the 402,408 votes cast nationwide. The People Power Party announced the result at a packed convention in Goyang, just outside Seoul, on Saturday afternoon. Han, a former party chair with strong public appeal, earned 43.5 percent of the total votes. Both party members and general voters took part in polls held over two days last week.
Kim Moon-soo wins conservative nomination at a time of high political tension. He now faces Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung, who leads in several recent opinion polls. In his acceptance speech, Kim warned that a Lee presidency could bring authoritarian-style rule. He accused the opposition party of destabilising democracy through a wave of impeachment motions. Kim promised to unite all political forces opposed to Lee to block what he called a “dictatorship.”
He blamed the Democratic Party for creating ongoing political turmoil. Kim cited their attempts to impeach more than 30 public officials, including ministers, prosecutors, and the chief state auditor. He also criticised their leadership in the opposition-controlled National Assembly. Kim argued that the party’s actions threaten the country’s democratic institutions. Despite rising criticism, he said he remains committed to restoring political balance.
Kim Moon-soo wins conservative nomination as calls for unity on the right grow louder. Just one day before the announcement, former prime minister Han Duck-soo declared his own presidential bid. Observers speculate that Han could align with Kim later to avoid splitting conservative voters. The possibility of a last-minute alliance may help the ruling party consolidate support.
Kim said he would focus his campaign on national security and youth employment. He pledged to strengthen South Korea’s military response to the North Korean nuclear threat. He also promised to expand job opportunities for young people. Additionally, he said he would push for constitutional reforms to replace the outdated 1987 system. He plans to modernise political, legal, and electoral institutions if elected president.
At 73, Kim brings decades of political experience to the race. He served as Gyeonggi Province governor and a three-term lawmaker. Before entering politics in 1990, he participated in the pro-democracy movement and served time in prison. He also held the role of labour minister before stepping down last month to run for office.
