Kim Moon-soo, once a jailed labour activist, is now the conservative People Power Party’s presidential candidate in South Korea. Known as “stubborn Moon-soo” for refusing to apologize when his party showed regret over ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed martial law decree, Kim gained popularity on social media.

Despite internal party doubts and a rocky nomination process, Kim is campaigning hard to distance himself from the disgraced Yoon. He spent years in prison during the 1980s for his activism but shifted right after the Cold War, joining the conservative ranks.

Though trailing in polls, Kim hopes to narrow the gap before the June 3 election, aiming to win over moderates with his story of resilience and political survival.