Kwon: "Speculation About Candidacy Does Not Help the Primary's Excitement"
Urges Candidates to Compete on Policy and General Election Competitiveness
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 floor strategy 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."
Floor Leader Kwon defined this presidential election as a "judgment on Lee Jae-myung." This was 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 the law through impeachment," adding, "Now, it is time for Lee Jae-myung, the main culprit of national destruction and former leader of the Democratic Party, to be judged by the people through the election. We must leave behind Lee Jae-myung's faction and move toward the future."
He continued, "We must overcome Lee Jae-myung's faction, which will drive South Korea into endless competition and division," emphasizing, "Despite many differences within us, this is a common mission."
Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, is attending the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 15th. 2025.4.15 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," adding, "The Democratic Party's primary is merely a coronation for Lee Jae-myung. We must demonstrate overwhelming dignity and insight."
Furthermore, he said, "Campaign staff should compete based on policies, visions, and competitiveness for the general election," and added, "Please play fair with the determination that the future of the nation and the people depends on us."
The party leadership's direct announcement of Acting President Han's decision not to run is interpreted as an effort to restore order before the primary begins.
When a reporter asked Floor Leader Kwon right after the meeting about the background of mentioning Han's non-participation, he explained, "Today marks the deadline for candidate registration and the official start of the primary," adding, "However, there have been many differing opinions and divided public sentiment regarding Han's potential candidacy, so we judged it necessary to refocus public interest solely on our party's primary."
When asked if the leadership directly confirmed Han's non-participation, he replied, "We did not confirm it directly, but through various channels, it became certain that he will not participate in the primary, which is why I made the statement today."
When a reporter asked if Han had completely closed the door on the possibility of running for president, he drew a line, saying, "I don't think that is something I should comment on."
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