South Korea's Conservatives Choose Kim Moon-soo

South Korea’s conservative People Power Party (PPP) has selected former Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo as its candidate for the June 3 presidential election, a snap vote triggered by the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his controversial attempt to impose martial law.

Kim, 73, a one-time labor activist turned staunch conservative, secured the nomination after winning 56.5% of the vote in the party’s primary on Saturday, defeating rival Han Dong-hoon. He now faces an uphill battle against liberal Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung, who has maintained a commanding lead in opinion polls.

A Conservative Vision Amid Political Turmoil

In his acceptance speech, Kim outlined a hardline platform, vowing to take a tough stance against North Korea while promising business-friendly policies and incentives for innovation. He also pledged to expand support for young workers and marginalized communities, drawing on his past as a pro-democracy activist—a role that once landed him in jail and led to his expulsion from university.

“I have never abandoned the weakest among us in the lowest of places,” Kim declared. Yet he acknowledged the need for his party to rebuild trust after public backlash over Yoon’s failed martial law decree, which ultimately led to the president’s removal by the Constitutional Court in April.

Despite narrowing the gap in recent weeks, conservatives still trail liberals in voter support. A Realmeter poll released Monday showed Lee leading with nearly 50% backing, compared to Kim’s 13%. However, Lee’s campaign has been clouded by legal troubles, including a Supreme Court ruling this week that reopened a case accusing him of election law violations in a previous race.

Conservative Unity Against Liberal Dominance

Analysts suggest Kim may seek an alliance with former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who entered the race on Friday as an independent, to consolidate conservative votes. Han, though not a PPP member, is seen as a potential partner to challenge Lee’s dominance.

The June election marks a pivotal moment for South Korea after months of political upheaval. Yoon, impeached in December and formally ousted in April, remains a polarizing figure, with Kim among the few conservatives still defending his presidency. Meanwhile, Lee’s legal woes and the conservatives’ push for unity could reshape the race in the weeks ahead.