Kwon Seong-dong: "Han Daeheng Will Not Run in People Power Party Primary"

Kwon: "Mentioning Han's candidacy does not help the primary"

On the 15th, Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, announced, "Han Deok-soo, Acting President and Prime Minister, will not run in the People Power Party primary."

At the party floor meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Floor Leader Kwon conveyed the news of Acting President Han's decision not to participate in the People Power Party presidential primary, adding, "Further mentions of candidacy will neither help the excitement of the People Power Party primary nor the performance of duties."

The People Power Party is closing the registration for presidential candidates on the same day. The party leadership's direct announcement of Acting President Han's non-participation is interpreted as an effort to reorganize the scattered ranks before the primary begins.

Floor Leader Kwon defined this presidential election as a "judgment on Lee Jae-myung." This is a countermeasure against the progressive camp, including the Democratic Party, emphasizing this election as an "end to internal strife."

He stated, "We must clearly recognize the nature of this presidential election. Former President Yoon Seok-youl was judged by law through impeachment," and added, "Now it is time for Lee Jae-myung, the main culprit of national governance destruction and former leader of the Democratic Party, to be judged by the people through the election. We must leave behind the Lee Jae-myung faction and move toward the future."

He continued, "We must overcome the Lee Jae-myung faction that will drive Korea into endless competition and division," emphasizing, "Despite many differences among us, this is a common mission."

Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the party's policy meeting held at the National Assembly on April 15, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

He also urged candidates to engage in a fair competition with dignity. Floor Leader Kwon said, "The starting point of the general election depends on how we conduct the primary," and requested, "The Democratic Party's primary is merely a rally for Lee Jae-myung. We must demonstrate overwhelming dignity and insight."

Furthermore, he added, "Campaign staff should compete based on policies, visions, and competitiveness for the general election," and urged, "Please play fair with the determination that the future of the nation and the people depends on us."