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Kim Moon-soo, presidential candidate of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), holds a major campaign rally on Rodeo Street in Jungang-dong, Seosan, South Chungcheong Province, on May 25. / Source: Yonhap News

People Power Party (PPP) presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo intensified his efforts to win over voters in South Chungcheong Province on May 25, making campaign stops in the cities of Asan, Dangjin, and Seosan. Positioning himself as a “pro-business” and “job-creating” leader, Kim pledged major infrastructure projects and reiterated his commitment to strengthening the South Korea–U.S. alliance.

Speaking in the square outside Onyang Oncheon Station in Asan, Kim said, “I will turn Asan into a city of enterprises,” and praised the area’s historical and patriotic significance. “Admiral Yi Sun-sin saved this country during a time of crisis, and Asan carries on his spirit of national defense and loyalty,” he declared.

Kim also noted Asan’s logistical and economic advantages, stating, “This is a great transportation hub with excellent accessibility, national industrial complexes, world-class companies, and strong agriculture. It’s no surprise that Asan is thriving. I thank you all for making it that way.”

At a rally in Dangjin’s Shijang Ogori intersection, Kim promised to fast-track the construction of a second West Coast Expressway. “The traffic situation on the western coast is still poor,” he said. “I will ensure the completion of the second West Coast Expressway and the Seohae Bridge.”

Addressing local concerns about the steel industry, Kim remarked, “Hyundai Steel needs to stay competitive, but China is flooding the market with cheap steel and catching up technologically.” He promised state support for advanced research and development to help South Korea maintain an edge. “We’ll make sure Dangjin Steel doesn’t fall behind,” he said.

In Seosan, Kim again emphasized his pro-corporate credentials, citing his record as Gyeonggi governor. “Samsung Electronics built its semiconductor plant in Pyeongtaek because I offered the land at 460,000 won per pyeong,” he said. “In the U.S., companies get a million pyeong practically for free—about 1,500 won. That’s why Hyundai and Kia are rushing to invest there.”

He pledged to make the Seosan-Taean area more attractive to businesses by offering cheap land and tax incentives. “We will turn Seosan, Taean, and all of South Korea into a country where companies thrive,” he said.

Kim also discussed foreign policy and health care, stating, “The South Korea–U.S. alliance is not just military—it spans economy, technology, science, culture, and medicine. American doctors are the best, and our medical progress owes much to their cooperation.” He credited U.S.–Korean medical ties with helping South Korea become one of the world’s longest-living nations.

Wrapping up, Kim vowed to eliminate medical blind spots across the country. “Living a long life is thanks to doctors,” he said. “As president, I will work with Dr. John Linton to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance and become a ‘healthcare president’ who ensures all citizens can access quality care anytime, anywhere.”