South Korea’s conservative People Power Party chose former Labour Minister Kim Moon-soo as its presidential candidate in the snap election on June 3. The sudden election follows the Constitutional Court’s April ruling to oust President Yoon Suk Yeol from office, citing a serious violation of duty over his unsuccessful and unjustified proclamation of martial law on December 3.
Kim, who is 73, has had a long tradition as a labor activist in his college days prior to switching over to conservative politics. He is formerly the labor minister under the government of Yoon and now standing as a pro-business candidate promising to roll out market-oriented reforms if elected into office.
Kim will face off against liberal Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung, who has kept a wide lead over all announced conservative challengers in recent polls, frequently by double-digit differentials.
The abrupt change in leadership has heated up the political climate, with both parties now rallying their bases for a high-stakes election that may redefine the nation’s course. Kim’s candidacy is a turning point for the conservative bloc as it attempts to restore public confidence after Yoon’s contentious departure.
