Kim Moon-soo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, bowed his head on the second day of early voting, the 30th, regarding the 12·3 emergency martial law situation, saying, "Martial law must never be enacted in the future." He intensified his apology regarding the martial law situation.
On that day, at a campaign site in front of the Cheongpyeong Clock Tower Plaza in Gyeonggi Province's Gapyeong County, Kim said, "The People Power Party, which has been in charge of the country, faced various issues when martial law was enacted, leading to the impeachment and removal of former President Yoon Suk-yeol," adding, "I believe that martial law must absolutely never be enacted in the future."
He added, "If it reaches a point where the police cannot handle the situation and soldiers must be deployed, the military can be mobilized, but otherwise, the military should only be for defense, while the police should manage domestic issues."
He continued, "I suffered from martial law even during the past Yushin era. In 1980, before former President Chun Doo-hwan came to power, martial law was expanded, resulting in firings, expulsions, and becoming a target of the Saemangeum education program. Therefore, I absolutely dislike martial law and believe it should never happen. I apologize for that."
He added, "If I become president, I will not enact anything like martial law, and I will make a pledge to maintain our country peacefully," as he bowed deeply.
He emphasized during a subsequent campaign in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, "If I become president, I will not enact martial law."
Kim stated, "The only circumstance under which martial law would be enacted is when maintaining public order is absolutely impossible. (If it is enacted otherwise) martial law brings about enormous side effects." He further expressed regret, noting that if he had attended the cabinet meeting where martial law was decided, he would have prevented it.
In a previous campaign, Kim has apologized for both martial law and impeachment while performing a "deep bow performance." However, while he had previously focused on the impact on people's livelihoods, on this day he apologized specifically about martial law itself. With four days remaining until the election, this has been interpreted as a clearer message aimed at gaining the support of moderate voters who have negative opinions about martial law.
Earlier that morning, in a "national appeal letter," Kim also stated, "I sincerely apologize for disappointing the public. I will reflect on this and promise to do better," as he appealed for support.