“While I was a student activist condemning President Park Chung-hee, I now send my highest praise to President Park.”
On the 24th at 5:30 p.m., Kim Moon-soo, the People Power Party presidential candidate, appeared at a campaign site after visiting the birthplace of former President Park Chung-hee, where over 300 Gumi citizens and supporters shouted, “Kim Moon-soo for president!!” and “President Park Chung-hee!”
Dressed in a neat black suit, Candidate Kim took the microphone with a serious demeanor, unlike at the previous campaign site.
He began by saying, “These days under martial law and impeachment, it’s tough for everyone to make a living, isn’t it? We have made many mistakes in the past. We will do better in the future,” before bowing deeply with the lawmakers standing behind him.
He emphasized throughout his speech that while he opposed former President Park’s Yushin dictatorship during his university days through student and labor movements, over time he came to realize the achievements of industrialization.
Candidate Kim said, “I was someone who opposed everything President Park Chung-hee did during my university days. I opposed former President Park’s highways, Pohang Steel, and his call for 'My Car,' branding him a Yushin dictator. However, as I matured and got older, I came to realize that President Park was indeed a president who achieved miracles that have never been seen anywhere in the world.”
Amidst the supporters watching the speech, cheers erupted with cries of “That’s right!!”
He also stated, “There is no one in world history who has, like President Park, eliminated poverty in such a short time and achieved everything.”
Candidate Kim declared, “Everything that has led South Korea to thrive today is due to President Park Chung-hee’s contributions,” and added, “When I was young, I was very hungry, but now I am on a diet. When I was a child, I studied by the light of a kerosene lamp, but now electric lights shine bright even in the daytime,” urging everyone to acknowledge who made all this possible.
He further exclaimed, “So, while I used to resent and oppose President Park during my youth in the student and labor movements, today I offered flowers at his portrait,” and he voiced, “The one who condemned President Park, now sends my highest praise.” Those gathered at the campaign site responded with excitement, saying “Wow.”
In particular, Candidate Kim remarked, “I believe that the honor of former President Park Geun-hye must definitely be restored.” He stated, “I do not think former President Park should have been impeached and made to step down.” He also added, “President Park and First Lady Yuk Young-soo left us painfully, and I couldn’t protect his daughter.”
Candidate Kim noted, “I had planned to visit former President Park tonight, but thinking about how he was impeached, lost his home, and is now down in Dalseong, it breaks my heart,” and for a moment became emotional.
At the end of his speech, Candidate Kim asserted, “Despite various difficulties, I will make this country, South Korea, great with the spirit of Park Chung-hee,” raising his right fist in the air. Supporters continuously cheered, “Kim Moon-soo for president!! Park Chung-hee for president!!” saying he resembles President Park Chung-hee.
Earlier, Candidate Kim visited the birthplace of former President Park to pay his respects with flowers and incense. He wrote in the guestbook, 'President Park Chung-hee, the world's greatest industrial revolutionist.'
Even after Candidate Kim got into his vehicle and left, voices continued to shout, “Park Chung-hee!! Kim Moon-soo!!” for some time at the campaign site.