South Korea Election: Who Is Kim Moon-soo, From Activist To Conservative Leader?

"All human beings are dignified and equal, and all human beings must respect each other's dignity. I am engaged in politics to create a South Korea where everyone, including the poor, the uneducated, the sick, and the marginalised, can feel freedom, equality, and happiness. Isn't that why you vote?" 바카라” Kim Moon-soo, People Power Party Candidate for President of South Korea

During the presidential election campaign, this statement reflected Kim's aim to appeal to a wide range of voters by emphasising equality and respect for all, despite his conservative views.

After the chaos of Yoon's era, South Korea stands at a crossroads, seeking stability as it heads into a snap presidential election on June 3. Amidst this backdrop, 73-year-old Kim Moon-soo is the leading conservative candidate in this election. In most opinion polls, Kim Moon-soo trails Lee Jae-myung significantly.

Last December, the Constitutional Court removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from office over his ill-fated imposition of martial law. The winner will face the challenge of addressing the political and economic fallout from Yoon's actions, which have ignited fierce polarisation and plunged the nation into chaos.

Who Is Kim Moon-soo?

Kim Moon-soo is a South Korean politician and former labour activist who is currently running for president with the People Power Party. Kim was born on August 27, 1951, in Yeongcheon, North Gyeongsang Province, and has had a long political career.

He first gained public attention as a high school senior in 1969 when he led a protest against then-President Chung-hee's attempt to amend the constitution to allow for a third term. The protest led to Kim's suspension from school, but it marked the beginning of his political career, defined by defiance.

In 1970, Kim entered Seoul National University's business school and joined a student circle focused on labour and democratisation issues. By the 1980s, Kim's activism had made him a household name among activists.

Kim's Political Journey

As a key figure in the Seoul Region Labour Movement Alliance, Kim led strikes and worker protests, defying heavy surveillance and state repression under military dictator Chun Doo-hwan. As per the reports, Kim was arrested, tortured, and almost lost hearing in one ear after electric shock interrogations in 1986.

In 1990, amid growing concerns about the fragmentation of moderate opposition forces and the marginalisation of labour interests ahead of the 1992 presidential election, Kim helped found the Minjung Party, a progressive platform to give workers a political voice. After the party's disappointing performance in the 1992 general and presidential elections, Kim admitted his failure and disbanded the party. He retired from politics and began working as a taxi driver.

In 1994, President Kim Young-sam, a former opposition leader, reached out to democracy movement activists and brought them into the ruling Democratic Liberal Party, which later became the Grand National Party, the precursor to the current People Power Party. Kim Moon-soo accepted the offer and thus crossed the ideological divide. Kim served in the National Assembly for three consecutive terms, representing Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province.

Kim Moon-soo took on two key roles under President Yoon Suk Yeol's administration despite some resistance from lawmakers. Kim also made headlines for opposing Yoon's impeachment following the declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024. On April 8, Kim resigned from the cabinet and announced his candidacy.