“The head of our household is my wife. Is there anything wrong with my wife who has always taken care of me, who has always supported me from behind and managed the household?”
Kim Moon-soo, the People Power Party presidential candidate, became emotional. The protagonist who left him speechless during his campaign was his wife, Seol Nan-young, with whom he has spent 44 years. On the last day of early voting on the 30th, at the last campaign schedule, a concentrated rally in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Kim revealed his affection and guilt toward his wife, who played the role of the head of the household while he was involved in the labor movement and during the martial law situation under the Chun Doo-hwan regime.
Around 7:15 p.m., as the sun was setting, Kim appeared on stage at the campaign site in front of Chuncheon City Hall, holding a child in each arm. He was wearing a white T-shirt with the words 'I am proud of my wife.'
Kim pointed to the T-shirt and opened up, saying, “I came here dressed like this.”
He met his wife, who was the labor committee chairperson at Sejin Electronics while working in the Guro Industrial Complex to engage in labor activism, and he introduced that they got married after escaping the conscription to the Samcheong Education Center in the attic his wife prepared when martial law broke out in 1980.
Kim shared calmly, “She is the one who hid and protected me during difficult times,” noting that his wife has taken on the role of the head of the household while he was imprisoned after their marriage.
He added, “My wife is the head of our household, and I’m just a useless husband. I have gone to jail during protests and have never provided for the family,” and that “after marrying such an incompetent husband, she has suffered a lot. When I went to prison, she raised our daughter all by herself.”
While doing so, he seemed choked up recalling a derisive remark made by writer Yoo Si-min regarding his wife, saying, “Hearing someone talk about my wife based on her education made me quite heartbroken,” and he momentarily lost his words.
He said, “When I first announced my candidacy for the presidential election, she told me to sign the divorce papers and go out. After pleading for her help, she came out after a month. When I ran for office and saw her hurt by all the insults, I realized the path I was taking was a thorny one,” and expressed, “I am proud of my wife who has stood by me for 44 years.”
Supporters gathered at the rally repeatedly responded with “That’s right,” “Stay strong,” and “Well said.” There were also elderly individuals who appeared to be moved to tears by Kim's remarks. Earlier, Kim had also worn the same phrase on his T-shirt at a rally in Wonju, Gangwon-do, stating, “I am proud of my wife. I am just a foolish husband.” He criticized Yoo, saying, “(Writer Yoo) said my wife is completely inflated.”
At the end of the rally, Kim received a bouquet from individuals with hearing impairments and developmental disabilities, showcasing his sign language skills honed during his time as governor while briefly exchanging greetings in sign language.
Meanwhile, as the controversy intensified, writer Yoo explained in a YouTube channel that he apologizes for his rough expressions and clarified that he did not intend to belittle women or workers.
Around 400 people gathered at the Chuncheon rally site. Some supporters sat comfortably on the ground watching the rally. Among them, a few responded with loud applause every time Kim mentioned the judicial risks of Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate, and the party's impeachment attempts.
From the 13th to the 20th presidential elections, held under direct election, Chuncheon has supported candidates from conservative parties for all elections except the last 19th presidential election. However, in the upcoming 22nd National Assembly election, the flags were planted evenly by the Democratic Party of Korea and the People Power Party in Chuncheon, Cheorwon, Hwacheon, and Yanggu. The sentiment of the electorate, which had historically supported conservative forces, is said to be shifting dramatically.
Contrary to the heated atmosphere at the rally, reactions varied in the distance. Those met there stated, “In the younger demographic, Lee Jae-myung is ahead, while Kim Moon-soo holds the advantage among the elderly.”
Before Kim arrived, a person surnamed Kim (71, male) near the rally site commented on Chuncheon’s public sentiment, saying, “It’s said to be neck and neck, but I’m not sure.” He continued, “Those in their 70s do speak a lot about how the country should be led by a moral person, and it seems they prefer the upright Kim Moon-soo, and I feel the same way,” and added, “As for younger people, I haven’t experienced much, but talking with my children, they seem to have the same views.”
Similarly, a woman surnamed Yoon (43) met near the rally commented, “I came to support Kim because he seems sincere and would genuinely work for the people,” adding, “I believe that someone who is not truthful will not do well, even for the country.”
On the contrary, there were also voters with strong anti-conservative sentiments. Jeong (54, male), a ‘30-year Democratic Party supporter’ running a clothing store near the rally site, pointed out, “For those in their 60s, it’s Lee Jae-myung, and for those over 70, it’s Kim Moon-soo,” adding, “Isn’t it ridiculous that someone who has been involved in insurrection could become president?”
He stated regarding Kim that “Did he not call the firefighters? It seems he is someone who should not be running for office, but it looks like he was nominated as a candidate because the People Power Party can easily control him.” About Lee, he said, “He seems competent, and although I can’t say for sure yet, I don’t think he would be someone who would take bribes.” He also mentioned that lately, Democratic Party members seem to be working diligently.
Moderate voters seemed undecided about their candidate just four days before the election. A man surnamed Kim (43) met on a road somewhat away from the rally said he had the intention to vote, stating, “I’m not fond of either candidate, and since the economy of our country is tough, it seems it won’t matter who wins.”