0
People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo campaigns on Dongseong-ro in Jung District, Daegu, on May 28. / Source: Yonhap News

People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo vowed on May 29 to usher in an era of open dialogue and communication, pledging to end what he described as the “era of disconnection, dysfunction, and dictatorship.” As part of his promise, he committed to holding a weekly “Media Day” and engaging with opposition leaders at least once every two months.

“During times of national crisis, the most important virtue a president can possess is the ability to communicate,” Kim said in a statement released that morning.

He cited historical leaders as examples: “British Prime Minister Winston Churchill kept up public morale and defended his nation from Hitler’s terror through constant communication with the people. U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt comforted the public and lifted the economy during the Great Depression and war through his intimate ‘Fireside Chats.’”

Kim declared, “I promise to be a president known for frequent and effective communication with the people. I will go beyond the scripted ‘conversations with the public’ of past presidents and institutionalize sincere and regular communication with the people on a quarterly basis.” He also pledged to open diverse and accessible channels for public dialogue.

He added, “I will do my utmost to engage in active and sincere dialogue with the opposition. I promise to meet with the leaders of both ruling and opposition parties at least once every two months to hold deep discussions on national issues. I will also regularly meet with citizens from all walks of life to listen to voices from the field.”

Kim further announced, “I will hold a weekly ‘Media Day’ to sincerely and consistently listen to the media. This will include open forums with Blue House correspondents as well as journalists from print, broadcast, and other outlets to ensure that the public’s right to know is fully protected.”

He concluded by stating, “This presidential election needs a leader who communicates with sincerity and honesty. I will be a president who reaches people not just with words, but with actions—so much so that the people might even say I’m communicating too much.”