"Is there only a vote for labor unions? (Reaching 7.7 million), it is a mistaken belief that small business owners do not have many votes. Relying only on those votes will ruin the economy."
Kim Moon-soo, the People Power Party presidential candidate, attended a breakfast lecture at the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the 15th, and spoke in front of over 200 small business owners, saying, "I myself come from a labor union, my wife comes from a labor union, and my brother also comes from a labor union. However, the conclusion we have reached is that corporations need to exist for labor unions to exist."
He then asserted, "Without corporations, there are no jobs, no welfare, and the nation cannot be maintained," adding, "We call a country without corporations a communist country."
Kim also emphasized, "You are the nation of the Republic of Korea itself," stating, "The most important agents of the nation are you, the business owners."
He pointed out, "Some people say, 'That person has lost their mind' when I say this, but isn't there no labor union without corporations? It is impossible for labor unions to thrive when corporations are not doing well."
The candidate continued, "The most pressing issue right now is whether it is appropriate to apply the Serious Accident Punishment Act to these small-scale small businesses," and he stated, "When I become the decision-maker, I will definitely amend such bad laws so that they no longer trouble you," earning applause.
The candidate also expressed negative views on the "yellow envelope law" (amendment to Articles 2 and 3 of the Labor Union Act), stating, "First of all, it violates the Constitution and also violates all provisions under civil law."
The yellow envelope law mainly aims to expand the scope of "employer" to strengthen the primary contractor's responsibility for subcontracted workers and limit users' claims for damages against labor unions and workers.
The candidate emphasized, "I promise once again to become the president of small businesses who listens to your words and serves you until the day we succeed in the global market."
The candidate then changed into campaign attire and visited Sindorim Station, where he met with commuters at the entrance of exit 1. This location, being a transfer station for subway lines 1 and 2, sees approximately 400,000 commuters daily, making it a strategically suitable place for targeting the metropolitan area votes.
Commuters were seen enjoying the atmosphere as they shook hands with the candidate or took selfies with him. Some citizens protested, saying, "Why are you doing this during rush hour?" and "Why are you blocking the passage?"
Some fervent supporters were seen aiming their frustrations at Kim Yong-tae, the nominee for the emergency response committee who accompanied Kim, saying, "Don't tear down from within. Just think how difficult it is for the candidate." Kim replied, "I will embrace it all."