[Political Spotlight] Ruling Party's Top Supporter Kim Munsu Says "No Plans to Run for President"...

Kim Moon-soo, Minister of Employment and Labor, who had been staying out of the presidential race, has rapidly emerged as the leading presidential candidate for the ruling party, drawing significant attention to his political choices.

Although Minister Kim stated that he has "never considered running for president," the political circles are not taking this at face value. Some view his cautious remarks as a way to gauge public opinion amid uncertainty about whether his approval ratings will hold. Others interpret it as a strategic move to highlight his uniqueness as the last stronghold of hardline conservatives and to consolidate support.

On the 4th, when asked by reporters about his intention to run in the early presidential election, Minister Kim said, "I have never considered or thought about it at all." Regarding the recent rise in his approval ratings, he was reserved, saying, "I haven't done anything special; I have only spoken common sense." He also downplayed his statements, saying, "Other than saying 'It would be better if the president is not arrested,' 'It would be good if the president is released,' and 'It would be better if there is no impeachment,' I have said nothing else." He answered cautiously throughout, continuing the Q&A for over 10 minutes.

Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moon-soo is answering reporters' questions after the party-government consultation meeting for the introduction of special exceptions to the 52-hour workweek system under the Semiconductor Special Act held at the National Assembly on the 4th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

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The spotlight on Minister Kim is due to his approval ratings. In recent multiple polls, Minister Kim has been leading among the ruling party's next presidential candidates. Some polls even show a close race within the margin of error against Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. The hardline conservative faction, which united during President Yoon Seok-yeol's impeachment phase, is focusing its attention on Minister Kim.

However, political circles analyze that the strong approval ratings might be just a "flash event," prompting a cautious approach. On the other hand, it is interpreted as a strategy to appeal to supporters by showing sincerity in upholding conservative values without presidential ambitions. In a situation where he is regarded as the only candidate who can protect President Yoon, dismissing the possibility of running seems intended to intensify the supporters' yearning. Political commentator Park Sang-byeong said, "Saying he will not run can make hardline conservatives thirst for Minister Kim even more," adding, "The statements coming out now cannot be taken at face value."

If his approval ratings hold, the prevailing view is that Minister Kim will enter the presidential race. Having transformed from a labor activist to a right-wing politician, he gained attention as a presidential candidate through his tenure as Governor of Gyeonggi Province. Although he shifted his political base from Gyeonggi Province to Daegu, he has recently taken a step back from the political frontline. A pro-Yoon lawmaker said in a phone call, "Whether running for the National Assembly or the presidency, the best scenario is probably being pushed into it," leaving a lingering impression.

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