On May 3, 2025, the People Power Party (PPP) held its National Convention at the Kintex in Goyang, South Korea, where it officially nominated Kim Moon-soo as its presidential candidate for the upcoming election. This event was marked by significant attendance, with 7,153 out of 9,151 delegates present, showcasing strong party support.
The convention was not just a formality; it served as a platform for the party to voice its criticisms against the ruling Democratic Party and to emphasize the urgency of regaining power. Kwon Young-se, the emergency committee chairman, harshly criticized Democratic candidate Lee Jae-myung, claiming he seeks the presidency to avoid imprisonment due to his criminal record. "Lee Jae-myung is trying to become president to avoid imprisonment," Kwon stated. He further accused the Democratic Party of delivering a near-unanimous vote to a candidate he described as politically unqualified, pointing out that Lee has a history of four criminal convictions, with a recent fifth confirmed by the Supreme Court.
In a display of unity, Kim Moon-soo and fellow candidate Han Dong-hoon entered the convention hall to the applause of supporters, with Kim’s entrance accompanied by self-composed music and Han's by Lee Seung-yeol’s song "Wind." The two candidates embraced, signaling a commitment to party solidarity despite their recent rivalry during the primaries.
The election process leading up to Kim’s nomination involved a combination of 50% delegate voting and 50% public opinion polls. In the final tally, Kim secured 56.53% of the votes, while Han garnered 43.47%. This result reflects a decisive choice by the party members, aiming to present a united front against the Democratic Party in the forthcoming elections.
During the convention, the party leadership reiterated the critical need to counter what they termed the Democratic Party's "legislative tyranny." Kwon Seong-dong, the party's floor leader, articulated a vision for the upcoming election, framing it as a battle between the PPP, which aims to uphold the rule of law, and the alleged criminal elements represented by Lee Jae-myung's faction. "The spirit of this election is the restoration of the nation's normality," he asserted, calling for unity among party members.
Lee Jae-myung, in response to Kim Moon-soo's nomination, expressed his concerns about the direction of the PPP. He described Kim’s selection as indicative of a party moving "completely in the opposite direction" from what he believes is necessary for South Korea. Lee emphasized that the country’s paramount challenge is to hold accountable those who undermine the constitutional order.
Lee's comments came after Kim Moon-soo announced his intention to unite with various political forces. Lee reacted skeptically, suggesting that this was an expected move, indicating a coalition with what he termed "anti-constitutional democratic forces." He urged the public to reflect on how they would evaluate those who threaten the country's constitutional framework.
The atmosphere at the convention was charged with a sense of urgency and determination, as party leaders rallied their members around the slogan, "Either freedom or dictatorship, we must unite as one." This call to action reflects the PPP's strategy to galvanize support ahead of the elections, focusing on themes of liberty versus authoritarianism.
As the campaign progresses, the PPP is positioning itself as the defender of democratic values against what it perceives as the rising tide of legislative overreach by the Democratic Party. The stakes are high, and both parties are gearing up for a contentious election season.
With Kim Moon-soo now at the helm, the PPP aims to consolidate its base and attract undecided voters by emphasizing its commitment to restoring the rule of law and addressing the concerns surrounding Lee Jae-myung’s candidacy. The upcoming months will be crucial for both parties as they navigate the complex political landscape of South Korea.
As the election approaches, all eyes will be on how Kim Moon-soo and his campaign team execute their strategy, particularly in light of the criticisms leveled against their opponent. The PPP's ability to unify and effectively communicate its message will be essential in the battle for the presidency, as they seek to reclaim power in a deeply polarized political environment.
