I enrolled in the business administration department at Seoul National University, but I was expelled twice due to the democratization movement. I decided to walk the path of a laborer for life and worked as a factory laborer for 7 years. I also obtained eight national technical certifications.
Kim Moon-soo, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, opened his third broadcast speech on the themes of 'livelihood, economy, and jobs' on the 22nd.
He continued, "Having lived as a powerless laborer, I believe protecting the weak in labor is the government's greatest duty," and added, "However, the industrial structure and labor environment have changed drastically. Ultimately, a country that is good for corporations will improve the lives of laborers."
Kim noted his experience of creating 940,000 jobs while serving as the governor of Gyeonggi Province, stating, "Samsung Electronics' 100 trillion won investment in the Pyeongtaek Gongduck Complex, the expansion of SK Hynix in Icheon, and the lifting of the greenbelt for Kia in Gwangmyeong have led to a dramatic increase in investments from large corporations, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises has allowed mid-sized companies to grow." He also added the success of the 'three-corner techno valley' of Pangyo, Gwanggyo, and Dongtan.
Based on that experience, Kim said he would "reshape" the economy of South Korea and introduced four policy directions.
First, regarding 'regulatory reshaping,' Kim promised to establish a regulatory innovation agency, allowing local government heads to ease various regulations related to labor, greenbelts, and agricultural land in accordance with local conditions by introducing 'mega free zones,' 'white zones,' and 'rural free zones.' He also proposed flexible application of the 52-hour workweek and exceptions for high-income professionals as part of labor reform.
As part of the 'infrastructure reshaping' policy, he proposed the establishment of an 'energy-based national comprehensive development plan,' including power grids. Kim aims to expand the share of nuclear power and develop direct exports, while establishing a realistic energy mix strategy from gas to nuclear power to lay the foundation for industrial competitiveness in the era of artificial intelligence (AI).
Regarding 'expansion of trade infrastructure,' he pledged to hold a South Korea-U.S. summit immediately upon taking office and to push for tariff package negotiations. He also outlined plans to expand the trade negotiation headquarters to the Economic Security Negotiation Headquarters and actively respond to changes in the external economic environment by increasing the supply chain stabilization fund by more than 10 trillion won annually.
Finally, about 'future industrial policy reshaping,' he promised to establish a 'Future Technology 3+1 Commission,' directly under the president, encompassing advanced technologies such as AI, bio, quantum, and space. Kim also announced plans to cultivate 200,000 AI professionals, achieve a 70% AI adoption rate in industries and 95% in public sectors, and expand government fund resources by 20 trillion won to support the venture and startup ecosystem.
Kim emphasized, "Both Kim Moon-soo and Lee Jae-myung have served as governors of Gyeonggi Province, but the policies, results, and outcomes were completely different," noting, "Kim Moon-soo created jobs, fostered corporations, and remodeled Gyeonggi Province." In contrast, he criticized, "During Lee Jae-myung's tenure, Gyeonggi Province's debt increased by 2.5 times, and the Daejang-dong project became the worst corruption brand since Gijeong Dynasty."
Kim vowed to radically innovate the South Korean economy and open export pathways while attracting global investments.
The Kim camp plans to continue presenting realistic economic policies, including measures to boost the stock market, during the remainder of the election campaign.