PPP’s Kim courts loyal base after impeachment fallout and presidential nomination turmoil

The conservative party candidate Kim Moon-soo was also in the southeast, courting the party's loyal base after the impeachment fallout and the recent presidential nomination turmoil.

Our correspondent Kim Do-yeon files this report from Busan.

People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo spent a second straight day campaigning in the Gyeongsang-do region Tuesday — pledging to revive an area that's seen a clear population decline.

He wrapped up the day's events at a local market in Busan — the nation's second-largest city — promising more jobs and better infrastructure.

"If I become the president, I will build an express train system here and make the surrounding cities all within 30 minutes of each other. Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam-do Province will become one giant -and the best -global city that can be on par with the capital."

"While cities like Busan here are traditionally viewed as a conservative stronghold, Kim enters the race at a disadvantage an impeachment of its former president, and the turmoil between Kim and the leadership over his candidacy. That's likely why he started his first extended stay in this region, to solidify the supporter base."

Before Busan he was also in the neighboring city of Ulsan, a major industrial city as well.

For this city, he pledged a multi-cultural complex.

"The city has requested a large-scale cultural complex, estimated to cost around 500 billion won. If I'm elected president, I'll make sure it doesn't take long. I'll allocate a special budget of that amount to Ulsan as soon as I take office."

But Kim's visit to the southeast doesn't end there.

On Wednesday, he's expected to campaign in smaller cities like Jinju and Sacheon, continuing efforts to shore up support.

At the same time, how to deal with issues regarding former president Yoon Suk Yeol and his martial law declaration continues to cast a shadow over the campaign.

In a televised interview Monday, Kim offered his first public apology for the incident and its aftermath to the nation.

The apology also gave attention to calls from some to expel Yoon from the party.

Kim responded to this on Tuesday morning, saying whether the president leaves the party or not is up to him.

It's not right for the party to decide that for him.

With some party loyalists still backing Yoon, Kim must walk a fine line — keeping the base intact while reaching out to undecided voters, many of whom remain critical of the martial law attempt.

Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News, Busan.