Early morning on the 16th. A large campaign truck arrived between Jidong Market and Yeongdong Market in Suwon's Paldal District. Among the crowd of about 300 people gathered in the street, signs saying "No more swindlers! President!" and "Kim Moon-soo is the right person to safeguard the Constitution of the Republic of Korea" caught the eye first. Despite the drizzling rain, the atmosphere heated up as a campaign song, a modified version of girl group "Orange Caramel's" "Catallena," played.
At 9:38 a.m., when Kim Moon-soo, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, got out of his vehicle and appeared at the market entrance, the waiting supporters cheered, "Kim Moon-soo for president!" The rain soon stopped.
The candidate shook hands with each supporter as he took a round of the campaign site, guided by the security personnel who opened a path toward the campaign vehicle. Dressed in a campaign outfit over a white shirt, with ivory pants and worn-out Nike sneakers, Kim climbed onto the campaign vehicle and raised both arms high.
"It feels like I've returned to my hometown now that I'm in Suwon. I thought Kim Moon-soo had completely disappeared, but how did he reappear? You haven't forgotten me, have you?"
His speech revealed pride in his work in Gyeonggi Province, where he served as governor for eight years.
"Suwon is a city with the dream of King Jeongjo. It's the place where Samsung Electronics headquarters, which you are proud of, is located. You know I created the 1.2 million pyeong Samsung Electronics semiconductor complex, right? From semiconductor production in the Republic of Korea to the Gwanggyo Techno Valley, thank you to the citizens of Suwon who lead science and technology and industries."
In particular, while mentioning the story of planning the Gwanggyo New Town during his time as governor, he earnestly remarked, "Is it good to live in Gwanggyo? We created today's Gwanggyo with a determination to build a city that lasts a millennium, like Hwaseong of Jeongjo." Supporters responded with shouts of "It's great!"
Kim further stated, "I built a Gwanggyo New Town ten times larger than Daejangdong, but not a single public official has been arrested. Have you heard that I received money for corruption while working in Gwanggyo New Town? If so, report it right now. I will resign immediately." Supporters responded with, "That's right!" and "It's touching!"
Kim also referenced allegations that the spouse of Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party of Korea used corporate credit cards, saying, "Have you heard that during my eight years as governor of Gyeonggi Province, my wife used a corporate card?"
He emphasized, "I aspired to be a humble and clean governor of Gyeonggi Province. That is to elevate the honor of the residents of Gyeonggi Province. Neither being a governor nor a president is a title; it is serving the people." Kim's voice rose gradually, and Na Kyung-won, Lee Man-hee, Lee Heon-seung, and Song Seok-jun, who were standing behind him, nodded and applauded.
He then raised his voice, saying, "Since I am not in Gyeonggi Province, citizens of Suwon are voting for strange candidates these days. Can we develop Suwon this way? What kind of party can promote Samsung Electronics and develop a clean city?"
During his speech, he introduced Lee Rae-jin, a relative of the victims of the "West Sea civil servant murder incident" that occurred during the Moon Jae-in administration, and said, "Working to uncover the truth is the strength that protects the Republic of Korea." Lee stated, "The Democratic Party is a criminal group that turned national officials into spies" and fervently appealed for support, asking, "Please make Kim Moon-soo the president to lead our country in the cleanest and most honest way possible."
Kim again took the microphone and continued his sharp remarks targeting Lee. He exclaimed, "What would happen to the country if a person who says to an actress, 'I'm a bachelor,' becomes president? How many people were arrested, and how many officials were criticized while developing a small city like Daejangdong? Do we want to make such a person president and turn the Republic of Korea into a complete garbage dump?"
He added, "There are no places with as many agricultural technology experts as Suwon, including the Rural Development Administration. I will develop Gyeonggi Province to make it the world's leading city in the bio-agricultural institutional sector."
"I will become a president for the people's livelihood, a president for the economy, a president for defense, and a president for science and technology," Kim pledged, concluding his campaign by descending into the crowd to greet supporters. He entered Yeongdong Market, going around the shops and shaking hands with merchants, while about 50 supporters followed him, eagerly taking photos.
A woman in her 70s, Kim, who has run a beverage stall in the market for 35 years, said, "I respect him so much," as she happily handed a drink to Kim. The candidate repeatedly declined to take money from Kim as she offered the drink, and he paid for it, downing the beverage all at once.
Kim told reporters, "He used to walk around the market without any attendants during his time as governor. No one came when they’re elected as members of the National Assembly, but Kim often came. He always wore a yellow jacket, so I respect him. I never saw Lee Jae-myung come here when he was governor."
Even after the campaign ended, the chant of "Kim Moon-soo for president!" resonated throughout the market for a while.
Kim moved to continue his campaign in front of Dongtan Central Park. He climbed onto the campaign vehicle and started the rally with a deep bow, alongside Na Kyung-won, Yang Hyang-ja, the co-chairs of the campaign committee, and Shim Jae-cheol, the Gyeonggi Province party chairman.
Kim expressed his affection for his past administration, saying, "I opened the GTX (Great Train Express) line. I also developed Dongtan New Town when I was governor of Gyeonggi Province. Pyeongtaek, Godeok New Town, Pangyo New Town, and Suwon Gwanggyo New Town were all developed during my tenure."
He continued to mention the impeachment of senior public officials from the Democratic Party, the Supreme Court Chief Justice's confirmation hearing, and the promotion of the "law to abolish the crime of spreading false information," raising his voice, "It makes me furious inside. If you cast a proper vote, it will be over. Who should we vote for on June 3?" He concluded his speech with the slogan, "We can do it! Let’s try!"