Former Labor Minister and staunch conservative Kim Moon Soo has secured the presidential nomination from South Korea's main conservative party, the People Power Party (PPP), facing a challenging contest against the liberal frontrunner, Lee Jae-myung, in the upcoming election scheduled for June 3, 2025. Kim won the party primary with 56.5% of the votes, defeating his main competitor, Han Dong-hun, in a decisive manner.

Political observers anticipate that Kim will seek collaboration with other conservative factions to avoid splitting the conservative vote, which is crucial for enhancing the likelihood of success against Lee Jae-myung. Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is one potential ally in this endeavor, as securing a united conservative front is seen as essential for Kim's campaign strategy.

In his victory speech, Kim expressed a strong intention to form alliances with anyone who might help prevent a governance led by Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party. He emphasized his commitment to establishing a coalition that aligns with the citizens and party members, indicating his determination to win the election through cooperation.

The imminent June 3 election will determine a successor to President Yoon Suk Yeol, a member of the People Power Party who was impeached by the opposition-dominated National Assembly in mid-December 2023. Yoon's controversial decision to impose martial law has sparked significant political turmoil within the PPP and has been a focal point of contention throughout the party’s primary process.

Having served as labor minister under Yoon, Kim has opposed parliament's decision to impeach the president, despite voicing disagreement with Yoon’s martial law declaration. His defiance of an opposition lawmaker's demand for a public apology on behalf of Yoon’s actions has bolstered his popularity among hardline conservative supporters.

Han Dong-hun, Kim's primary challenger in the PPP’s primary, previously served as Yoon's first justice minister and belongs to a reformist faction within the party. This faction played a critical role in voting against Yoon's martial law and supporting his impeachment. Without the backing of Han's faction, the impeachment motion would have failed due to a lack of votes. Kim’s victory may limit outreach to moderate voters, as analysts suggest that Han’s leadership could have attracted swing voters to the conservative camp.

At 73 years old, Kim Moon Soo has an extensive political history, initially known as a labor activist in the 1970s and 1980s before transitioning to conservative politics in the 1990s. His prior roles include serving for eight years as the governor of Gyeonggi province and holding three terms in the National Assembly. Kim has articulated plans to combat corruption, reform financial regulations, enhance pension systems, and escalate government investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure if elected. He also intends to strengthen military alliances with the United States and explore the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines to bolster deterrence against North Korea’s nuclear threats.

While Kim prepares for the election, Lee Jae-myung, who won the Democratic Party’s nomination, remains the clear favorite. However, Lee's campaign recently faced complications due to a Supreme Court ruling mandating a new trial on charges related to election law. The outcome of this legal challenge is uncertain and could impact Lee’s ability to continue his campaign leading up to the June 3 vote. As Kim Moon Soo and Lee Jae-myung gear up for what promises to be a fiercely contested election, the political landscape in South Korea remains dynamic and unpredictable.