By CGTN’s Jack Barton
Democratic Party presidential candidate Moon Jae-in is pulling ahead in the polls as South Korea’s May 9 election draws close.
The former civil rights lawyer, who completed his national service in the elite Special Forces, is widely viewed as a moderate willing to pursue diplomatic engagement with the DPRK aimed at halting Pyongyang’s nuclear missile program.
Moon Jae-in is often greeted more like a South Korean pop idol than a 64 year old running for president.
Moon has experience – he was a former presidential Chief of Staff who later ran against, and narrowly lost to, former president Park Geun-hye in 2012.
Moon says he will strive to make South Korea a prosperous, mature democracy that respects human rights and seeks peace on the Korean Peninsula.
“I’ll make sure to stop any provocation from North Korea with an overwhelming defense. I want to lead the peace order in Northeast Asia. We are the owners of the Korean Peninsula problem; we have to lead. I’ll make peace on the Korean Peninsula for strong security,” the candidate said.
Supporters of Moon Jae-in attend his election campaign rally in Chungju, South Korea, May 7, 2017. / VCG Photo
It’s a message, and an image, that resonates strongly with many young people in South Korea.
“Even the another candidates for president have good pledges, but they don’t have personality. But Moon Jae-in keeps his promises and he has a personality and that’s why I support Moon Jae-in,” Jin Yoo-ra said.
Moon wants to generate jobs through massive state-funded infrastructure projects, while his main rival Ahn Cheol-soo wants to stimulate small to medium-sized businesses.
Moon also likes to compare his own modest background to that of his billionaire rival.
“Last year, we had a difficult period. I think he is the candidate who is thinking most about common people and that’s why I support him,” Kim Sang-min said.
It does worry some that Moon has not mentioned where he’s going to get the money to pay for all his promises.
Of the five front-runners in the South Korean presidential elections, Moon is currently in the lead, according to polls. / CGTN Photo
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