People Power Party Sees a Flood of Candidates Without a Clear Frontrunner
Han Ducksoo Emerges as a Dark Horse Amid Behind-the-Scenes Persuasion
Democratic Party's 'Second Place Strategy' Gains Attention as Lee Jaemyung Leads the Race
As declarations of candidacy for the June 3 presidential election continue from both the broad conservative and broad progressive camps, attention is focused on the internal primary dynamics of the two major parties, the Democratic Party of Korea and the People Power Party. Within the Democratic Party, the 'No. 1 strong' system centered on former leader Lee Jae-myung remains solid, while non-Lee (anti-Lee Jae-myung) faction candidates are beginning to stir. On the other hand, the People Power Party is experiencing a wave of candidacies without a clear 'No. 1 strong' candidate.
It is estimated that the People Power Party may have as many as 15 to 20 candidates participating in the primary. Confirmed candidates include former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moon-soo, Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon, as well as Assemblyman Ahn Cheol-soo, Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheol-woo, Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, former Saenuri Party leader Lee Jung-hyun, and Assemblywoman Na Kyung-won. Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and former Assemblyman Yoo Seung-min are also considered potential presidential candidates.
In the conservative camp, former Minister Kim leads in approval ratings. He secured support from the party's hardline conservative base by voicing strong opinions during the impeachment phase of former President Yoon Seok-youl. Mayor Hong, who declared his presidential bid early and is building his party base, and Mayor Oh, who has high public recognition as the current Seoul mayor, are also strong contenders. Additionally, former Assemblyman Yoo is known as an 'economic expert' with strong support from moderate voters, and former leader Han demonstrated his capabilities by rising to the top of the People Power Party within seven months of entering politics last year.
Among the dark horse candidates mentioned is Acting President Han. Although he has told aides, "Don't even mention the letter 'ㄷ' (the first letter of 'Daesun,' meaning presidential election)," indicating no intention to run, many People Power Party members, including Assemblyman Park Soo-young, are encouraging him to run. A People Power Party official said, "If Acting President Han, who has high expertise in economics and diplomacy, steps forward, it could help generate excitement in the primary," but added, "Given his advanced age, lack of widespread popularity, and current role as acting president, the feasibility is questionable."
With many candidates in the People Power Party primary, there are also many variables. First, attention is on where the 'Yoon-sim (尹心, Yoon's heart)' will go. Although he is a former president who was impeached, he is still considered to have significant influence over the hardline conservative base. Former Minister Kim leads in party member support, but if former President Yoon actively backs other pro-Yoon candidates like Assemblywoman Na, it could lead to changes in the primary dynamics.
On the 10th, when former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung officially declared his presidential candidacy by releasing a video message, a citizen was passing in front of a TV broadcasting the video at Seoul Station. Photo by Jo Yong-jun
For the Democratic Party, the presidential primary is most likely to be a four-way race among former leader Lee Jae-myung, Gyeonggi Governor Kim Dong-yeon, former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo, and former Assemblyman Kim Du-kwan. Former leader Lee released a video message expressing his determination to run on the same day.
Despite Lee's dominant position, non-Lee faction candidates have also begun their presidential campaigns one after another. Former Assemblyman Kim emphasized his party's 'legitimacy' by visiting former President Moon Jae-in. He is also actively promoting his economic vision of a 'decentralized economic system.' Governor Kim, who declared his candidacy the day before and then departed for the United States, began his first presidential campaign activities in Michigan, focusing on responding to automobile tariffs. This is a strategy to highlight his international experience as an economic expert.
Governor Kim is still finalizing the timing of his candidacy. He plans to consider the timing after reviewing the results of the Democratic Party's first election management committee meeting held that day and the primary schedule. A representative from Governor Kim's camp said, "We need to see if it is physically possible to run this week. We are leaning toward running."
As the Democratic Party primary unfolds with former leader Lee at the center in a 'one strong, many weak' (Ilgangdayak) structure, the 'second place strategy' of the candidates is also drawing attention. Analysts suggest that this could serve as a stepping stone to secure a favorable position in the party's next power structure after the primary. Political commentator Choi Soo-young said in a phone interview, "Democratic Party primary candidates are likely to adopt a 'telepathic' strategy emotionally rather than confront former leader Lee, aiming for the next step such as party leadership."
Meanwhile, Lee Jun-seok, a member of the Reform New Party, was the first to confirm his presidential candidacy and has registered as a preliminary candidate with the Central Election Commission. Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon of the New Future Democratic Party is also expected to announce his position regarding an early presidential election.
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