Kim Moon-soo, the presidential candidate for South Korea's ruling People Power Party (PPP), publicly apologised for the hardships endured by citizens in the aftermath of the attempted martial law declared by former President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 3. Launching his campaign for the upcoming June 3 presidential election, Kim addressed the issue for the first time, acknowledging the national turmoil that followed the failed attempt.
In an interview with Channel A, Kim expressed remorse: &ldquo;I sincerely apologise to the people who have suffered from the martial law imposition.&rdquo; He added that the nation has faced economic, political, and diplomatic challenges since the incident.
Kim clarified that he would not have supported such an extreme measure, stressing, &ldquo;Democracy is built on dialogue, compromise, and patience&mdash;not martial law.&rdquo;
The PPP&rsquo;s stance on the controversial martial law attempt has been under close scrutiny ahead of the election. Speaking after a campaign rally in Daegu, Kim stated that he would consult with his team on how to further address the incident and the appropriate level of apology.
However, Kim also defended former President Yoon, suggesting that the former leader was pushed to extremes due to obstruction by the opposition Democratic Party (DP), which holds a parliamentary majority and frequently blocked Yoon's policy efforts.
Following internal party disputes about a possible unified candidacy with former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Kim solidified his nomination this week, emerging as the conservative party&rsquo;s standard-bearer. He now faces Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung, who currently leads in public opinion polls.
As part of his campaign outreach, Kim visited Garak Market early in the morning to speak with wholesale vendors of agricultural and fishery products, emphasizing his focus on economic revitalization and public welfare.
&ldquo;I want to be a president who makes South Korea a better place to live,&rdquo; Kim told reporters while wearing a symbolic red jumper.
Commenting on recent intraparty disagreements, Kim suggested that the process ultimately led to &ldquo;stronger unity&rdquo; within the PPP. He described the election as &ldquo;very dynamic&rdquo; and expressed confidence in narrowing the gap with Lee Jae-myung.
According to a Realmeter poll released on Sunday, Lee led with 52.1% support, compared to Kim&rsquo;s 31.1%, in a three-way race also featuring Lee Jun-seok of the minor New Reform Party.
Kim's key policy proposals include easing business regulations, reducing corporate taxes to boost economic growth, and fostering a more investor-friendly environment. He also pledged to pursue an early summit with former U.S. President Donald Trump to renegotiate trade tariffs and strengthen bilateral economic ties.
In the technology sector, Kim proposed initiatives to support the artificial intelligence industry, including training 200,000 young professionals and creating a 100 trillion won ($71.2 billion) private-public investment fund.
On national security, Kim promised to develop nuclear-powered submarines as a deterrent against North Korea&rsquo;s nuclear threat and voiced aspirations for peaceful reunification with the North, citing the suffering of its people.
&ldquo;Progressivism should bring prosperity, not poverty. I want to tear apart fake progressivism,&rdquo; he declared.
Later in the day, Kim was scheduled to visit a national cemetery in Daejeon to pay tribute to veterans who defended South Korea during past North Korean provocations in the western sea.

South Korea's ruling PPP publicly apologised for  martial law

PPP candidate distances himself from Yoon's martial law move, promises economic growth, AI investment, and stronger national defense

Kim Moon-soo Launches Presidential Bid with Apology Over Martial Law Crisis

PPP candidate distances himself from Yoon's martial law move, promises economic growth, AI investment, and stronger national defense

May 13, 2025 | 10:05 IST