Inside the Race – Part 1: Clash of Titans , Lee Jae-myung vs. Kim Moon-soo

Dear, EEUTs!

June 3rd marks South Korea's presidential election.

This election, prompted by the impeachment of the previous president, has been prepared relatively quickly and is moving swiftly.

As of May 21th, there are six presidential candidates. (The 6th candidate withdrew.)

The Pylon Club will briefly compare the four candidates who have been appearing in TV presidential debates!

Part 1 covers the two frontrunners: Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party and Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party.

Part 2 will feature Lee Jun-seok of the New Reform Party and Kwon Young-kook of the Democratic Labor Party, both emerging as rising contenders in the race.

South Korea faces numerous challenges.

Which candidate's experience and pledges come closest to the kind of solutions you believe in?

1. Profile: Clash of Administrative Experts

Lee and Kim are experienced administrative experts with local government leadership and seasoned politicians familiar with the legislature.

Both are often cited as success stories of rising from humble beginnings and overcoming childhood poverty.

Their diverse experiences are expected to serve them well in fulfilling the role of president.

▶Focus on welfare policies vs. Strengthening regional transportation policies

🟦 Lee became nationally known for his policies after being elected mayor of Seongnam City.

Four years later, he won re-election by raising support through various welfare policies.

• Opened the city hall built by his predecessor to citizens

• Expanded local bond issuance, including the Seongnam moratorium declaration

• Built a municipal medical center

• Introduced welfare policies such as youth dividends, free postpartum care, and free school uniforms

Lee solidified his welfare policy stance during his four-year term as Gyeonggi Province Governor.

• Promoted basic income, basic housing, and basic finance policies

• Provided "disaster basic income" during the COVID-19 pandemic

• Mandated CCTV installation in public hospital operating rooms in Gyeonggi Province
  

🟥 Kim served three consecutive terms as a National Assembly member for Bucheon Sosa, Gyeonggi Province.

He is credited with strengthening regional transportation policies.

• Metropolitan Railway Bok-bok Line opened

• Introduced express trains in the metro area

During his eight years as Gyeonggi Province Governor, he pursued major projects for regional development.

• Integrated fare system for the metropolitan area

• Planned the GTX (Great Train eXpress)

• Development of Gwanggyo and Pangyo New Towns

• Attracting Samsung's semiconductor campus to Pyeongtaek

▶Human Rights Lawyer from Child Labor Background vs. Conservative Politician with Labor Movement Roots

🟦 Lee Jae-myung grew up in an unauthorized shantytown in Seongnam City.

After finishing elementary school, he immediately had to become a worker to earn money.

He was employed as a "child laborer" in an industrial complex, where he suffered an industrial accident, getting his left arm caught in a press machine at a baseball glove factory.

Due to delayed treatment, he was diagnosed with a permanent arm disability (Grade 6), which also resulted in his exemption from military service.

However, he didn't give up on education.

He obtained his middle and high school qualifications through equivalency exams, then entered the College of Law, Chung-Ang University, and became a lawyer.

Lee worked as a human rights lawyer in Seongnam.

In the meantime, he campaigned to build a public general hospital. Although he successfully gathered 100,000 citizen signatures, the city council rejected the ordinance.

Lee was reported for allegedly insulting council members and became a wanted person. This experience led him to decide to become a politician himself.

🟥 Kim Moon-soo also had a difficult childhood, living in a single-room shanty house in Seoul.

He studied hard and entered Seoul National University's Business Administration department but was expelled twice for opposing the Yushin dictatorship, the authoritarian regime under President Park Chung-hee.

In 1975, he began serious labor activism by working undercover in Cheonggyecheon's clothing factories as a sewing machine operator, cutting assistant, and boiler worker.

He established labor unions and led struggles, becoming known as a "legend" in the labor movement of the 1980s and 90s.

During this time, he was imprisoned multiple times and endured torture, the effects of which he says still linger today.

He was also forcibly conscripted during his labor activism. Still, he was exempted from military service due to severe otitis media during the physical examination.

▶Criminal Records Related to Civil Activism and Political Acts... Drunk Driving and Infectious Disease Law Violation are Separate Issues

🟦Lee Jae-myung received a criminal record for false accusation and impersonating a public official in 2003.

This was related to a KBS PD impersonating a prosecutor for a "60 Minutes(TV Show)" investigation, in which Lee was accused of colluding.

He explained it as "an incident that occurred while revealing the truth about the Bundang preferential housing allocation case as a civil activist for the public interest."

His 2004 record for obstructing official duties was explained by protesting against the Seongnam City Council's abrupt 47-second adjournment of a session dealing with establishing a city hospital ordinance.

However, he offered no particular explanation for his 2004 drunk driving offense. His blood alcohol level was 0.158%, high enough for license revocation, and he was fined 1.5 million won.

🟥 Kim Moon-soo also has two criminal records related with civil activism and political acts.

In 1987, he was imprisoned for 2 years and 6 months for opposing the May 3 direct presidential election system. In 2021, he violated the Assembly and Demonstration Act by refusing police orders to disperse during a rally in front of the National Assembly.

Regarding the 2024 violation of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, he admitted to attending in-person church services during COVID-19 in violation of the law.

The church in question was Sarang Jeil Church, run by far-right pastor Jun Kwang-hoon. It was under administrative orders prohibiting in-person gatherings due to quarantine rules violations.

2. Different Pledges, but 'Economy' is the Most Important

Each candidate has eagerly presented their top 10 pledges. Both showcase the 'economic sector' as their most important point.

However, many questions are being raised about how much the elected president will be able to implement these pledges.

• Lee Jae-myung's election bulletin - [Link]

• Kim Moon-soo's election bulletin - [Link]

▶Pledge #1: AI Promotion vs Easing Corporate Regulations

🟦 World-leading Economic Power: Tax reductions on AI investments for both income tax and corporate tax

Candidate Lee firmly states that he will grow Korea into one of the world's top 3 AI powerhouses.

In addition, he announced plans to grow the economy through K-content and K-defense industry.

• Inaugurating the era of 100 trillion won national + private AI investment

• Securing over 50,000 high-performance GPU semiconductors (like NVIDIA) used for AI

• Implementing the 'Everyone's AI' project so that everyone in the country can use AI for free

🟥 Liberalization-led Growth, Business-friendly Country: Lowering corporate and inheritance taxes & promoting flexibility in the 52-hour workweek system

Candidate Kim brought a first pledge focused on 'businesses'.

Emphasizing the importance of international affairs, he declared that he would create an environment that could attract foreign investment.

• Immediate Korea-US summit upon inauguration. Pursuing tariff package negotiations

• Holding IR events for foreign investors, presided by the President

• Promoting flexibility in the 52-hour workweek system based on labor-management agreement

• Lowering the highest rates for corporate and inheritance taxes, adjusting the tax system to match global competitiveness

• Creating a world-class investment environment

▶Resource & Environment: Transition to Renewable Energy vs Expanding Nuclear Power Share

There are also differences in views on resources.

🟦 Lee emphasized renewable energy and pledged to 'build an energy highway.'

He also mentioned a greenhouse gas reduction road map.

• Promoting the construction of the Korean Peninsula energy highway, expanding the distribution of energy storage devices

• Seeking harmonious development through carbon-neutral industrial transition

• Accelerating energy transition centered on renewable energy. Phased closure of coal-fired power plants

🟥 Kim also announced the slogan AI·Achieving top-three energy power status as his second pledge.

In particular, he said that nuclear power share should be expanded to respond to power demand in the AI era.

• Steadily promoting six large nuclear power plants under construction and planning

• Commercialization of small modular reactors (SMR)

• Innovating AI-related regulations, improving treatment, and enhancing the status of science and technology personnel

▶Inter-Korean Relations: Practical Economic Diplomacy vs Strengthening Nuclear Potential for Security

🟦 Lee used the keyword 'strategic, practical diplomacy.'

He emphasized the importance of 'economy' in security and diplomacy while calling for easing military tension on the Korean Peninsula.

• Interest-centered practical diplomacy based on solid Korea-US alliance

• Diplomacy to overcome economic and trade crises

• Achieving status as one of the top 4 defense industry powers through government-wide support

• Improving service conditions for military personnel

🟥 On the other hand, Kim emphasized 'strong national security' more.

He even said he would pursue the development of nuclear-powered submarines.

• Expanding the scope of espionage law from 'enemy country' to 'foreign country'

• Strengthening nuclear potential based on Korea-US cooperation

• Introducing the military service point system. Introducing a voluntary military service system for women

▶Labor Environment: Reduction of Working Hours vs Introduction of Flexible Work System

🟦 Lee has stated that he will introduce a 4.5-day workweek to reduce working hours and eventually move towards a 4-day workweek in the long term.
He also mentioned that he would improve the comprehensive wage system.

• The gradual introduction of a 4.5-day workweek through social consensus

• Promotion of retirement age extension

• Improvement of the comprehensive wage system

🟥 Kim mentioned a 4.5-day workweek but is somewhat passive about it.
Furthermore, this is closer to introducing a flexible work system rather than reducing working hours.

• Adjusting daily working hours while maintaining weekly working hours

• Promoting flexibility in the 52-hour workweek system through a labor-management agreement

▶Regional Development: Promotion of Sejong Relocation vs Nationwide GTX Expansion

🟦 One of Lee's key policies is 'Completion of Sejong Administrative Capital', which means moving major administrative agencies out of Seoul.

He also promised balanced development centered on five metropolitan areas and three special autonomous provinces (Jeju, Gangwon, Jeonbuk) and mentioned 'strengthening local government authority'.

• Construction of the National Assembly building and Presidential office in Sejong City

• Establishment of special local governments for 5 mega-regions and construction of regional express railways

• Revision of special laws to strengthen autonomy and competitiveness of 3 special autonomous provinces

🟥 Kim's top priority for regional development is 'Nationwide GTX Expansion'.

This aims to build a national express railway network.

Like Lee Jae-myung, Kim also mentioned the complete relocation of the National Assembly to Sejong City and strengthening local government authority.

• Promotion of GTX expansion to 5 metropolitan areas nationwide

• 30-minute commute revolution through the expansion of metropolitan and urban railways

• Devolution of central government authority and expansion of local authority

• Relocation of the National Assembly and establishment of a second Presidential office in Sejong City

3. Issues and Risks: Facing 5 ongoing trials vs. opposition to President Yoon's impeachment

Both candidates have long political careers and have been involved in various incidents.

Lee Jae-myung is undergoing 5 trials, particularly for events that occurred during his tenure as mayor of Seongnam.

On the other hand, Kim Moon-soo is known for strongly opposing the impeachment of former President Yoon Seok-yeol, which has drawn much criticism.

▶5 Ongoing Trials vs Opposed Yoon's Impeachment

🟦 Lee Jae-myung faces 12 charges in 8 cases, resulting in 5 trials.

After announcing his presidential candidacy, he requested that the trials be postponed to ensure fair campaign opportunities.

The court accepted this request, and most trials have been postponed until after the presidential election.

1. Daejang-dong, Wirye-dong, Baekhyeon-dong, and Seongnam FC preferential treatment allegations - First trial Allegations from his time as Seongnam mayor are combined into one trial.
   He is accused of approving a development project structure favorable to private developers in Daejang-dong, causing a 489.5 billion won loss to Seongnam Urban Development Corporation and leaking confidential information, allowing private developers to profit 788.6 billion won.

2. Violation of the Public Official Election Act - First trial guilty verdict, second trial not guilty, retrial in high court following a guilty remand (Second trial)
   Controversy over the truthfulness of statements made during the 20th presidential election. Indicted for two statements, including claiming not to know individuals involved in the Daejang-dong incident.

3. Illegal North Korean remittance allegations involving Ssangbangwool Group - First trial

   Accused of having Kim Seong-tae, former chairman of Ssangbangwool Group, pay $8 million on his behalf in 2019 while serving as Gyeonggi Province governor.
   This includes $5 million for an innovative farm project that Gyeonggi Province should have paid to North Korea and $3 million for his visit to North Korea.

4. Subornation of perjury charges - First trial not guilty, second trial ongoing
   Accused of asking Kim, a secretary to the former Seongnam mayor, to give false testimony in a trial for violating the Public Official Election Act in February 2019.

5. Misuse of Gyeonggi Province corporate credit card - First trial
   Accused of private use of official vehicles and misusing a total of 106.53 million won from Gyeonggi Province's budget, including corporate credit cards, during his tenure as Gyeonggi governor.

🟥 On the other hand, Kim Moon-soo's most significant risk is considered to be 'Yoon Seok-yeol'.

Kim served as the Minister of Employment and Labor in the Yoon government.

He also strongly opposed President Yoon's impeachment regarding martial law.

During an emergency questioning session for the Prime Minister and Cabinet members in the National Assembly, he was the only one who refused to apologize when the opposition demanded a group apology for the illegal martial law.

However, in a recent TV debate, he said, "Yoon's martial law was wrong, and if I had known, I would have tried to stop it,"

▶ 'Bulletproof Glass Wall Campaign'? The 2024 Lee Jae-myung Attack Incident

🟦 Meanwhile, candidate Lee has garnered attention for using a 'mobile bulletproof glass wall' during this campaign.

This is the first time a presidential candidate in Korea has made a bulletproof glass wall, citing threats to personal safety. It's also known that he wore a bulletproof vest.

In January 2024, while visiting Busan, Lee suffered a terror attack where he was stabbed in the neck with a weapon. Fortunately, it's reported that he survived the close call as the blade struck his jugular vein rather than the carotid artery.

Additionally, last year, when Lee was the leader of the Democratic Party, he was included in a list of people to be arrested during martial law.

In this context, the Democratic Party continues its campaign while prioritizing his safety.

▶ 'I'm Gyeonggi Governor, Kim Moon-soo' Big Blow from Abuse of Power Controversy

🟥 The incident that most negatively impacted Kim Moon-soo's image was the "I'm the Governor" controversy.

2011, when Kim was the Gyeonggi Governor, he called the fire department to check if he could use a medium-sized ambulance.

When asked by the firefighter why he was calling, he only repeated that he was Governor Kim Moon-soo.

He then demanded the firefighter's rank and name, saying, "I'm the governor; why aren't you answering?" This 'abuse of power' was reported in the media, causing significant damage to his image.

It was also revealed that after the incident, he indirectly ordered disciplinary action against the workers who received the call, which he later withdrew.

***

The first sentence of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea is "The Republic of Korea shall be a democratic republic."

A democratic republic means a country in which the people are the owners and representatives elected by the people through elections to govern the country.

No matter if you are rich or poor, a university graduate or have only completed compulsory education, employed or not — if you are a citizen of the Republic of Korea, you have one vote in the presidential election.

To eeuts who have the right to vote and to those who are interested in the future flow of Korea.

Even if you're a bit tired of the political issues covering everything, how about taking an interest and looking into this presidential race?

The Pylon Club will soon return with 'Part 2 - Next Generation Rising Star: New Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok vs Democratic Labor Party candidate Kwon Young-kook'! 🤗