"No Need for Factional Battles... Presenting a Vision for the Future"
"Even If Han Donghoon Comes First, Han Deoksoo Will Not Agree to Unification"
Jang Donghyuk, a lawmaker from the People Power Party and the chief campaign manager for Kim Moonsoo, former Minister of Employment and Labor, who has advanced to the final round of the People Power Party’s presidential primary, stated, "From now on, we will compete not through factional battles such as pro-impeachment or anti-impeachment camps, but through policies and pledges." As Kim is ahead of his runoff opponent, former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon, among conservative voters, the intention is now to prove policy capabilities and expand support to centrist voters.
On the 28th, Kim Moonsoo, a presidential primary candidate of the People Power Party, shouted "Fighting" together with Kim Mia, a People Power Party lawmaker who declared support for candidate Kim, and other lawmakers who have already joined the campaign at his office in Yeouido, Seoul. (From left) People Power Party Jang Donghyuk, Kim Mia, candidate Kim, and lawmaker Eom Taeyoung. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
In a phone call with Asia Economy on the 30th, Jang discussed the strategy for the final primary against former leader Han, saying, "I don't think there is any need for further factional battles," and added, "We will move forward by presenting a vision for the future and concrete policies." Since joining the campaign on the 18th, Jang, along with Kim Jaewon, former Supreme Council member and head of public relations and media, and lawmaker Eom Taeyoung, head of organization, has been credited with laying the foundation for Kim’s primary campaign strategy and organization.
Jang remarked, "The key issue is where the votes that supported former Daegu Mayor Hong Joonpyo (who was eliminated from the primary) will go from here," and added, "With the final primary framed as a contest between pro-impeachment and anti-impeachment camps, I don't think the votes from Hong’s side will shift more toward former leader Han." He further explained, "Although the third primary debate will be held in the afternoon, there will likely be no significant change to this structure."
Former Minister Kim has so far consolidated support among the party’s conservative base by taking a strong stance as a leading figure in the so-called 'anti-impeachment' camp. In contrast, former leader Han, classified as part of the 'pro-impeachment' camp, is generally regarded as having greater appeal to centrist voters than to the party base. Jang’s emphasis on policy rather than factional battles reflects an intention to strengthen Kim’s appeal to centrists?a perceived weakness?and to become the “winning candidate” that party members desire.
Jang also commented on other primary contenders, such as lawmaker Na Kyungwon and Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheolwoo, saying, "Their hearts are with Kim Moonsoo." In fact, lawmakers Yoo Sangbeom, Kim Daesik, Baek Jongheon, and Kim Wisang, who had been active in Hong’s campaign until the previous day, immediately declared their support for Kim and joined his campaign on this day. After Hong’s elimination, there is a clear trend of traditional conservative supporters rallying around Kim.
Jang cited Kim’s genuine commitment to the 'anti-Lee Jaemyung big tent' as his key strength. From the early stages of the primary, Kim actively pursued unification with Han Deoksoo, the acting president and prime minister, while former leader Han maintained a relatively passive stance, insisting that "the party primary comes first." Jang said, "Even if former leader Han wins first place in the People Power Party primary, Han Deoksoo’s side will not agree to unification," and added, "From the perspective of party members, there is no choice but to support former Minister Kim."
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