People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo began his official campaign for the 21st presidential election at 4 a.m. on the 21st in Garak Market, Songpa District, Seoul.

Kim, wearing white sneakers and a red jumper, met with merchants and said, "If Garak Market suffers (a lack of business), the whole country will suffer," promising, "I will take responsibility for ensuring business thrives."

Kim pointed out, "The reason restaurants are struggling is that there are no children. Therefore, families are not dining out," adding, "Elderly individuals have no reason to go out to eat, which is the biggest issue."

On the first day of the official election campaign for the 21st presidential election on Dec. 12, Kim Moon-soo, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, visits Garak Market in Songpa-gu, Seoul, and greets merchants. On the right is Rep. Kim Yong-tae, appointed as the chairman of the emergency committee. /Courtesy of Yonhap News Agency

Kim also listened to concerns while sharing breakfast with representatives of merchants, enjoying sundae soup together.

Later, Kim met with reporters and noted, "The South Korean economy has entered a long-term, structural recession phase," adding, "The reality of small business owners and self-employed individuals operating restaurants struggling is evident."

He expressed, "I truly want to become a market president, a people's president, and an economic president. I believe we need a president who enables the people of South Korea to live well."

Regarding the internal conflict that arose during the unification discussions with former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Kim mentioned, "There is a saying that after rain, the ground hardens," stating, "Our disagreements were not for the sake of fighting; they were the foundation for a stronger unity and a greater leap forward."

Kim expressed his determination to defeat Democratic Party of Korea candidate Lee Jae-myung. He said, "I have experienced many elections, and I know that politics is not a simple calculation. When I was first elected to the National Assembly, I was in third place until three days before the election," and added, "I will write the most dramatic and beautiful drama with the hearts of the people."

Kim Yong-tae, who has been appointed as the new emergency committee chair of the People Power Party, stated, "Historically, political reforms have been significantly achieved ahead of the presidential election," adding, "We will show the people a transformation so fast that they will be surprised."