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Kim Moon-soo, presidential candidate of the ruling People Power Party, makes a deep traditional bow to voters during a campaign rally titled “More Comfortable, More Convenient” held at Pyeongnae-Hopyeong Station Plaza in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, on May 21. / Photo by Song Ui-joo

Kim Moon-soo, presidential candidate of the ruling People Power Party, campaigned intensively across northern Gyeonggi Province on May 21, promising to expand job opportunities and overhaul public transit infrastructure while sharply criticizing Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung.

“Jobs are welfare, and so is transportation,” Kim declared during a rally in Yangju. “Being able to commute quickly and easily will greatly improve people’s quality of life.”

He emphasized that while Yangju is a desirable place to live, it lacks sufficient employment. “If I become president, I will lift various military development restrictions and bring good jobs to the area,” he said, pledging to attract businesses to industrial zones like Gwangseok District despite existing challenges from military facilities such as ammunition depots.

On transportation, Kim vowed to fast-track construction of the GTX-C high-speed commuter rail line connecting Yangju to Gunpo and beyond. “I’ll break ground quickly and ensure the project is completed without delay. This is my firm promise to you.”

Kim also took aim at Lee Jae-myung, warning of threats to democracy. “Democracy in Korea is in crisis,” he said. “Is there another dictator in the world who abolishes laws whenever they’re on trial or criticized? That kind of dictatorship doesn’t exist anywhere else.” He urged voters in Yangju to “judge such a person at the ballot box.”

He added, “I won’t be a ‘bulletproof’ president hiding behind protective glass. The people will be my real shield — a bulletproof nation of citizens.”

Later in the day, Kim traveled to Pyeongnae-Hopyeong Station Plaza in Namyangju, where he reiterated promises for early GTX construction and job creation. “If elected, I’ll accelerate the GTX-B line here in Namyangju. Commuting in Gyeonggi is too difficult, so I’ve consulted top experts and concluded that high-speed rail is the only answer. Transportation is welfare,” he said.

He criticized the overregulation of greenbelt zones in Namyangju, stating, “Much of the open plains here are restricted as greenbelt, which is wrong. I tried to fix it, but with only houses built and no jobs, people are forced to commute to Seoul.”

Kim stressed that job creation hinges on bringing in major companies. “It’s not about government handouts or short-term public jobs,” he said. “We need department stores, research centers, and major employers like Shinsegae to build here.”

Addressing national security, Kim warned of foreign encroachments in Korean waters. “If the Chinese are constructing anything in the West Sea, it’s the Marines and Navy who must protect us. I will ensure that veterans — men or women — receive hiring bonuses and proper recognition,” he said. “I will be the president who secures peace through strong defense.”

Kim concluded by promising bureaucratic reform. “If I’m elected, I’ll make Korean public servants the cleanest and most efficient in the world,” he said. “It’s time to elect an honest president — one who refuses to lie.”