Kim Tae-ho and Oh Se-hoon Proposed as Regime Change Strategy
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Opposition potential candidates such as independent lawmaker Kim Tae-ho and former Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon have put forward the 'Anti-Moon Coalition and Fully Open National Primary System' as a key strategy for regime change. This comes from the judgment that there is no chance of winning with a party-member-centered primary while the approval ratings of the next presidential candidates from the People Power Party remain in the single digits. The political world is paying attention to whether all opposition candidates will agree to such primary rules and whether they can overcome the backlash from People Power Party members.
On the afternoon of the 29th, Rep. Kim stated at the 'Better World Forum' (Mapo Forum) led by former People Power Party lawmaker Kim Moo-sung that a broad opposition coalition including all forces and a fully open primary platform must be established. Kim mentioned Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, former lawmaker Geum Tae-seop who left the Democratic Party, and Kim Kyung-yul, co-representative of Economic Democracy 21, saying, "It’s not about who can or cannot, but anyone should come out on the platform and show their ability. Through a cut-off, citizens and the public should choose the candidate, and that candidate should become our party’s candidate. In conclusion, we need to reorganize the game."
Former lawmaker Kim, who calls himself a 'kingmaker,' also supported the Anti-Moon Coalition and the Fully Open National Primary System. He said, "There is a lot of talk about Mr. Trot, but the success point is that the public gets excited by seeing opposition candidates competing fairly. The ideology of the younger generation is more about realizing a fair competitive society than left or right. If we do this, we can win."
However, former lawmaker Kim expressed concerns about internal party discord over the primary rules. He said, "To hold a fully open primary, a very difficult process must be undertaken. We have to appeal to and persuade our party members with tears. Candidates who hold many party members’ votes will also oppose it. Then, in the end, we will lose the election."
Other presidential candidates are also emphasizing conservative and moderate integration. Earlier, former Mayor Oh proposed on the 22nd to form a roundtable including himself, Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong, former People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Seung-min, and independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo. Oh said, "The higher the proportion of public opinion reflected, the better," and added, "Between increasing the participation rate of the general public and the fully open national primary system, the fully open national primary system is better."
Governor Won also presented the 'One Plus One' Won Hee-ryong model on the 15th, which unites moderates and conservatives. Won said, "As long as the Won Hee-ryong model can be implemented, former leader Hong and leader Ahn are all good."
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