Kim Moo-sung "Busan Mayor Draft Theory? We Are People with Open Minds... Must Play a Role in Presidential Victory"

Kim Moo-sung-led 'Mapo Forum', Lecture Inviting Chairman Kim Jong-in

Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is attending an invited lecture at the 'Forum for a Better World (Mapo Forum)' located in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the 8th, greeting former lawmaker Kim Moo-sung. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Former lawmaker Kim Moo-sung commented on the speculation about his candidacy for Busan mayor on the 8th, saying, "We (Mapo Forum) are all people who have let go of our ambitions," and added, "I believe we should play a role from the sidelines to ensure victory in the presidential election."

On the same day, after attending a lecture by Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, at the 'Towards a Better World' forum (Mapo Forum) held in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Kim Moo-sung spoke to reporters with these remarks.

He stated at the event, "I said it would be difficult for incumbent lawmakers to run in next year's Seoul and Busan mayoral elections," and added, "Our party holds 103 seats, and several lawmakers have been indicted. It would be unwise to risk losing those 100 seats."

Kim also emphasized, "The approximately 60 members participating in the forum share similar views," and said, "Leaders are made. The key is to establish rules on how to create stars." He further noted, "There is no guarantee of winning the by-elections next year or the next presidential election," and expressed his position, "In an emergency situation, if all party barriers are removed and anyone can participate, with candidates selected through a national primary, we can win."

Regarding the speculation about his candidacy for Busan mayor, he said, "(Mapo Forum members) have all let go of their ambitions. It is a time to rest, but we have gathered to play a foundational role for winning the presidential election out of lingering patriotism," and added, "The presidential election is more important than next year's by-elections. I believe I should successfully carry out a supporting role from the sidelines for the presidential victory."

On the possibility of running for president, he clearly stated, "I have no intention." Kim explained, "The pro-Park core group gathered to urge former President Park Geun-hye to resign, but she refused. The next step was impeachment according to constitutional procedures," and said, "When we led the impeachment, we decided together not to pursue a personal presidential bid, and that resolve has not changed."

He added, "The most important thing for a presidential candidate is their own will to become president and lead the country well, but everyone is just watching each other," and said, "To trigger this, we will hold weekly seminars starting in October." Currently, Governor Won Hee-ryong of Jeju and former Mayor Oh Se-hoon have confirmed participation, and former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min is in coordination. Kim said, "We will also invite lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo, who we will inevitably work with, and plan to contact Ahn Cheol-soo, the leader of the People’s Party, who is making efforts independently outside the party."

Regarding Kim Jong-in’s potential presidential candidacy, Kim Moo-sung said, "He clearly stated today that he has no intention."

On the economic three laws that Chairman Kim supported, he said, "Chairman Kim explained the need for amendments, and although some members opposed, I personally understood it quite well," and added, "Labor reform must be done now or never."

Regarding the 2016 general election when they ran against each other from different parties, he said, "I do not personally consider it a bad relationship," and added, "The defeat in the last general election was due to the nomination turmoil. We are responsible for that, not Chairman Kim."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.