People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo said on the 17th regarding former President Yoon Suk-yeol's departure from the party, "I respect his will."
After attending the Gwangju on-site election committee meeting held at the Gwangju Kim Dae-jung Convention Center that day, Kim noted in a meeting with reporters, "We will accept former President Yoon's intentions well so that the party can unite and innovate further to become a president that matches the will of the people." He added, "I hope former President Yoon receives a fair trial and takes good care of his health."
When asked if there was any prior coordination with former President Yoon regarding the departure issue, he replied, "No."
Meanwhile, candidate Kim targeted Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung during the election committee meeting that day, stating, "The dictatorship that we see before us is unprecedented in world history," and added, "Under the spirit of May 18, no corruption or dictatorship can exist."
He said, "The Supreme Court judge who tried him is being questioned, and he claims that the charge of spreading false information that was remanded will be removed from the election law. The Prosecutor General and the Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman have been impeached," and remarked, "Setting aside the impeachment of the president, is this democracy and the spirit of May?" He further asserted, "I am convinced that the sacrifices of May do not mean this kind of democracy," and questioned, "What does the great democratic cry of Korea advocate and criticize?"
Candidate Kim stated, "This election is not simply a contest between parties; it is about whether democracy advances to the next stage or falls into a grotesque dictatorship," adding, "If (Lee) were to acquire power beyond legislative dictatorship, which judge could conduct a trial with a clear conscience starting from the Chief Justice?" He also said, "Not just as a simple presidential candidate, but I will fight to the end against forces that trample democracy," and added, "I will dedicate everything to the victory of the spirit of May in Gwangju."