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Kim Moon-soo, minister of employment and labor, attends a Cabinet meeting at the government complex in Seoul on April 8. / Source: Yonhap News

Kim Moon-soo, minister of employment and labor, is stepping down from his post on April 8, setting the stage for a presidential bid following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol. His resignation signals the start of a full-scale conservative primary race.

According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, Kim tendered his resignation during a Cabinet meeting held at 10 a.m. at the government complex in Seoul. A farewell ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. at the Sejong Government Complex.

On April 5, Kim hinted at a possible run while speaking with members of a civic group urging him to enter the race. “I have no personal ambition,” he said, “but I believe the country cannot continue on this path.”

The conservative camp is expected to see a crowded field of contenders, including Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, former Land Minister Won Hee-ryong, and lawmakers Kim Gi-hyeon, Na Kyung-won, and Yoon Sang-hyun. Pro-Park Geun-hye figures such as former Saenuri Party leader Lee Jung-hyun and former Deputy Prime Minister Choi Kyung-hwan are also expected to run.