Rep. Moon Jae-in of the main opposition Democratic United Party on Sunday announced that he would join the party primary for the Dec. 19 presidential election.

One of the closest associates of the late President Roh Moo-hyun, Moon is expected to succeed Roh’s liberal agenda by focusing on fairness, welfare and civic participation in contrast with his potential rival Park Geun-hye of the Saenuri Party.

“My politics will be about people and go alongside people. Gone are the days when money and power ruled the world. The old hegemony will leave and the new era of ordinary people sharing the fruits of economic growth will come,” he said in a press conference held at Seoul Independence Park. 

In the park is a former prison where Moon was detained for four months in 1975 for participating in the pro-democracy movement. Before his declaration, Moon toured the old prison site, now a museum, and paid tribute to those who sacrificed themselves for democracy.

Moon is the favorite candidate for the presidency among liberals, outpolling his DUP contenders ― South Gyeongsang Governor Kim Du-kwan and former DUP leader Sohn Hak-kyu. The party is widely expected to merge candidacy with popular professor Ahn Cheol-soo if he joins the race.

According to a recent poll by Mono Research of 1,327 adults nationwide, Moon was placed second with 16.2 percent support after Park, who garnered 38.8 percent.

In his speech Moon stressed that he would campaign on fairness, peace and welfare for the poor, criticizing growth-oriented policies of the conservative Lee Myung-bak administration and the ruling Saenuri Party.

“For over half a century Korea has been obsessed with economic growth. Distribution of wealth has been put aside while the country has achieved remarkable success. But we are now struggling with a slowdown. It’s time we change our growth paradigm fundamentally or we may see a dimmer future,” he said.

“Korea shall be a country of co-existence and peace, based on fairness and justice. We will cherish the fruits of growth together. The country will have a strong welfare system and prioritize job creation. Women, children and elderly people will be happy, safe and peaceful,” he added.

Moon put forward his four growth strategies. He pledged redistribution of income in order to strengthen the “buying power” of the middle class. He also promised educational reform, increased investment on renewable energy sources and the establishment of communication network for civilians to reflect their ideas on policies.

He also blueprinted an economic belt at the military face-off areas to relieve tension between the two countries and the resumption of the Mt. Geumgang tour that had been halted under the current administration.

Moon’s announcement was watched by hundreds of supporters including Roh’s loyalties.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)