Kim Moon-soo targets Seoul capital region with reform and gratitude appeals

Kim Moon-soo, presidential candidate of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), holds an emergency press conference on political reform under the slogan “We will overhaul politics” at the PPP headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on April 22. / Source: Song Ui-joo

On April 22, Kim Moon-soo, presidential candidate of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), continued his fourth consecutive day of campaigning in Seoul, intensifying his push to win over voters in the capital region. From the political and financial hub of Yeouido to the bustling streets of Gwangmyeong and Bucheon, Kim unveiled sweeping reform pledges and made heartfelt appeals to citizens.

At 9 a.m., Kim held a press conference at PPP headquarters in Yeongdeungpo District, where he proposed a bold political reform agenda. His constitutional amendment proposals included a 10% reduction in the number of lawmakers, shortening the next presidential term to three years, synchronizing presidential and parliamentary elections in April 2028, abolishing presidential immunity from prosecution, and appointing a special inspector nominated by the opposition.

The event also featured Sohn Hak-kyu, former leader of the Bareunmirae Party, who declared his support for Kim and formally joined his “big-tent” alliance. Sohn praised Kim’s record as governor of Gyeonggi Province, citing accomplishments like the creation of Technovalley and the development of Suwon’s Gwanggyo New Town.

Kim then chaired a field meeting of the Central Election Committee at the Korea Exchange, pledging to turn the stagnant KOSPI into a true ladder of opportunity. “I will personally lead investor relations sessions overseas to attract foreign capital,” he said. To boost the stock market, he proposed separate taxation for dividend income, reduced tax burdens, and long-term investment incentives. He suggested applying a progressive withholding tax on dividend income for those holding stocks longer than a year and earning less than 20 million won annually in financial income.

At the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kim met with leaders of the five major economic organizations to discuss strategies for overcoming economic challenges, including the tariff war triggered by the U.S., and preparing for the era of artificial intelligence. The meeting was attended by prominent figures such as SK Chairman Chey Tae-won, KEF Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik, FKI Chairman Ryu Jin, KITA Chairman Yoon Jin-sik, and KOFA Chairman Choi Jin-sik, along with executives from Samsung, SK, and Hyundai. The business community also handed each political party a set of policy recommendations titled “Proposals for National and Corporate Growth in the 21st Presidential Election.”

In the afternoon, Kim met with leaders of the Korean Medical Association in Yongsan District, where he offered a public apology, saying, “As a former cabinet minister, I sincerely apologize,” and promised to “craft healthcare policies by listening to doctors.” Later, he attended a policy agreement ceremony with the Korean National Council of Women and visited a childcare center in Gwangmyeong, where he discussed family policies under the theme “Childcare and the Kim Moon-soo Family.”

To close out the day, Kim campaigned in Cheolsan Rodeo Street in Gwangmyeong under the slogan “A Brighter Tomorrow,” and then visited Bucheon’s Jayu Market and Bucheon Station to greet vendors and citizens. Reflecting on his past as a three-term lawmaker representing Bucheon, Kim expressed gratitude, saying, “The people of Bucheon are the ones who raised Kim Moon-soo.”

ⓒ "젊은 파워, 모바일 넘버원 아시아투데이"