PPP candidate Kim kicks off official campaign for presidential election

People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo visits a wholesale agricultural market in southern Seoul, Monday, as his first official campaign stop. Yonhap

People Power Party (PPP) candidate Kim Moon-soo kicked off his official campaign for the presidential election at a traditional market in Seoul on Monday, after days of strife within the conservative party on a possible candidacy merger with former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.

Seven candidates made their bids official for the June 3 presidential vote, triggered by the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed martial law bid in December, with Kim facing Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung, who has kept a wide lead in opinion polls.

Kim, former labor minister, visited Garak Market in the predawn hours to meet vendors who trade wholesale agricultural and fisheries products, emphasizing his focus on economic and livelihood issues.

"I think I should be a president who makes South Korea a better place to live," Kim, dressed in a red jumper, told reporters.

When asked about the recent intraparty strife over a unified candidacy with Han, Kim said the rift ultimately contributed to "stronger unity" within the conservative party.

Calling the race "very dynamic," Kim expressed confidence in his ability to close the gap with the DP's Lee.

According to a Realmeter poll released Sunday, Lee garnered 52.1 percent support compared with Kim's 31.1 percent in the hypothetical three-way race that also included Lee Jun-seok of the minor New Reform Party.

Later in the day, Kim is scheduled to visit a national cemetery in the central city of Daejeon to honor veterans who sacrificed their lives defending South Korea against North Korean provocations in the tensely guarded western sea.

He will then travel to a traditional market in the southeastern city of Daegu to rally support in the conservative stronghold.