Kim Moon-soo Returns to Daegu Just Days Apart - Drawing Lines on 'Yoon Severance' Calls

Kim Moon-soo's Strategic Return to Conservative Heartland

Former presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo made headlines with his second visit to Daegu within just five days, reinforcing speculation about his upcoming bid for the People Power Party leadership. On July 16th, Kim visited the traditional conservative stronghold of Daegu, following his previous visit on July 11th where he held a youth forum. Political observers interpret these consecutive visits as strategic moves to solidify support in the region with the highest concentration of party members ahead of the anticipated party convention.

During his latest visit, Kim met with Catholic Archbishop of Daegu and visited Seomun Market, known as 'Political District No. 1', engaging directly with local merchants. This grassroots approach demonstrates his commitment to connecting with the party's traditional base in what many consider the heartland of Korean conservatism.

Cautious Stance on Party Leadership Bid

When questioned about his party leadership candidacy during a local press conference, Kim maintained a measured response, stating that the party convention date must be announced before he can make any decisions about running. He expressed frustration with the party's inability to set a concrete date, noting that while the Democratic Party is currently holding their convention, the People Power Party hasn't even established a timeline.

Kim's recent public statements have increasingly hinted at his leadership ambitions. At a conservative forum on July 5th, he declared his intention to fight against President Lee Jae-myung, effectively signaling his readiness to take on a leading role in the opposition. His statement that he would step forward to preserve the rule of law marked a significant shift from his previously cautious position.

Navigating the 'Yoon Severance' Debate

One of the most significant aspects of Kim's recent public appearances has been his nuanced position on calls within the party to sever ties with former President Yoon Suk-yeol. The party's innovation committee, led by Yoon Hee-sook, has proposed incorporating a formal apology regarding the December 3rd martial law declaration and subsequent impeachment into the party's constitution.

Kim's response to these proposals has been diplomatically balanced. He acknowledged that while President Yoon's declaration of martial law was wrong, it would be inappropriate to completely sever ties with a president produced by their own party. His stance reflects a pragmatic approach: 'We should sever what needs to be severed and inherit what should be inherited'. This position sets him apart from more hardline voices within the party calling for complete dissociation from the former president.

Criticism of Democratic Party's Approach

During his Daegu visit, Kim launched sharp criticisms against the ruling Democratic Party, particularly targeting recent calls for the dissolution of the People Power Party as an 'unconstitutional party'. He argued that party dissolution requires a Constitutional Court ruling and questioned the legitimacy of such calls when Democratic Party leaders themselves are avoiding trials.

Kim also criticized the Democratic Party's approach to governance, pointing to the initiation of three special prosecutor investigations immediately after taking power. He questioned whether this aggressive prosecutorial stance aligns with the party's stated commitment to cooperative governance. His critique extends to President Lee Jae-myung's avoidance of judicial proceedings, which Kim characterizes as fundamentally undermining the rule of law.

Addressing the Conservative Crisis in Daegu-Gyeongbuk

The political significance of Kim's repeated visits to Daegu becomes clearer when considering recent polling data showing a dramatic shift in the traditional conservative stronghold. Recent surveys indicate that the People Power Party's support in Daegu and Gyeongbuk has plummeted, with some polls showing the Democratic Party leading in these historically conservative regions.

Kim acknowledged these concerning trends but expressed optimism about recovery, stating that support levels naturally fluctuate and that significant changes are expected in the future. His assessment that 'time is needed for recovery' reflects the challenging political landscape facing conservatives in their traditional heartland. The fact that 65% of People Power Party lawmakers represent Yeongnam region constituencies makes this regional support crisis particularly acute for the party's future.

Building Momentum for August Convention

Kim's recent political activities extend beyond Daegu, with reports of 'dining politics' sessions with Seoul-area party committee chairs and other key stakeholders. During a July 15th luncheon with Seoul regional party leaders, Kim emphasized that whoever becomes party leader must transform the party into a winning organization capable of saving the country.

The urgency of party reorganization has become increasingly apparent as the Democratic Party conducts its own leadership election while the People Power Party struggles with internal conflicts over convention timing. Kim's frustration with this organizational paralysis was evident in his comment that the party's inability to set a convention date while their rivals are actively selecting new leadership represents a troubling display of weakness.

As the August convention approaches, Kim's strategic positioning in Daegu, combined with his balanced approach to the Yoon severance debate and his criticism of the current government, suggests he is preparing for a serious leadership bid that could reshape the conservative party's future direction.