Kim: "The Candidate Who Advocated for Unification from the Very Beginning of the Primary"
Kim Moonsoo, former Minister of Employment and Labor and a preliminary presidential candidate of the People Power Party, announced on April 27 that he would achieve a swift and fair unification with Acting President and Prime Minister Han Ducksoo immediately after Han declared his candidacy.
This move is interpreted as an effort to differentiate himself from other preliminary candidates?such as Hong Joonpyo, former Daegu Mayor; Han Donghoon, former party leader; and Ahn Cheolsoo, lawmaker?who have also expressed support for unification with Han, in order to gain an advantage in the second round of the primary vote.
During a meeting with reporters at his campaign office in the Daehwa Building in Yeouido, Seoul, Kim emphasized, "I am the candidate who has consistently advocated for unification from the very beginning of the primary without wavering." Currently, People Power Party figures who have called for Han's candidacy, including lawmaker Park Sooyoung, have joined Kim's campaign.
Kim also stated, "If I am chosen as our party's candidate, I will join forces with all groups determined to defeat Lee Jaemyung, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and achieve a dramatic victory in the presidential election on June 3. I will do my utmost to ensure that a selfless unification proceeds swiftly and without discord. United we live, divided we die," he stressed.
He further promised, "I will do my best to win first place with confidence in both the second round of the primary and the final runoff vote, secure victory in the unification process, and fully devote myself to overcoming the crisis facing the Republic of Korea and achieving a great nation, just as the people desire."
Kim Moonsoo, a presidential primary candidate of the People Power Party, is being interviewed by Asia Economy at the campaign office in Yeouido, Seoul on April 18, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
Kim's statement about unifying with Han is seen as a response to party members' sentiments ahead of the second round of the primary vote, which begins today. Starting today, the People Power Party will conduct the second round of the primary over two days, with results determined by a combination of party member votes (50%) and a public opinion poll (50%).
If a candidate receives a majority of the votes, that candidate will be confirmed as the party's presidential nominee. However, if no one secures a majority, a final runoff will be held between the top two candidates.
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