A Candidate to Stand Against Lee Jaemyung
"The Public Wants to Cross the Rivers of Martial Law and Impeachment"
Cho Kyungtae, a co-chair of former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon's campaign who advanced to the party's third primary, expressed confidence in an interview with Asia Economy on April 30, saying, "Party members will make a strategic choice if it is for the expansion of the centrist base."
The Han Donghoon campaign's strategy is to emphasize an image of unity by rallying all forces in favor of the impeachment of former President Yoon Sukyeol in order to become the People Power Party's presidential candidate. On this day, Cho stated, "The public wants our party to undergo significant change and to cross the rivers of martial law and impeachment." The implication is that voters will choose Han, a candidate who supports impeachment and can stand against Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate.
For the third primary, the strategy is to appeal not only to the conservative base but also to the centrist bloc, and to project an image of unity by joining forces with a broader range of groups.
Previously, during the first and second primaries, Han had taken a clear stance against impeachment. However, around the time of the announcement of the results for the second primary, he adopted a more flexible attitude toward his rivals. Before the announcement of the second primary results, Han praised his competitors?former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moonsoo, lawmaker Ahn Cheolsoo, and former Daegu Mayor Hong Joonpyo?saying he learned 'uprightness,' 'insight,' and 'sharp wit' from each of them, respectively.
Notably, at the time, Han commented on the so-called "big tent" theory, which included figures such as Lee Nakyon, advisor to the New Future Democratic Party, saying, "There are no limits to alliances between political groups. There is no need to define such things in advance. However, the People Power Party, which is centered on conservatism, is in the midst of an important primary. This is the time to focus our energy and attention here."
Cho also stated, "If there are forces that can clearly agree that martial law was wrong, we can work together. If the coalition is strong enough to satisfy the public, having a mindset of unity would be a good thing."
Cho expressed confidence that Han would be able to win if he is confirmed as the presidential candidate. He argued that, for the resurgence of conservative politics, a dynamic politician who embodies change should be the party's presidential candidate. Han has previously emphasized the need for structural change in Korean politics, including constitutional amendments to introduce a four-year, two-term decentralized presidential system and a bicameral legislature.
Cho said, "(Han) was the first to propose a constitutional amendment for a three-year presidential term and the establishment of the Seventh Republic. People will see Han as a candidate who can keep his promises. While it is a cautious outlook, I believe it is worth trying, as Han has already communicated many of his philosophies and the direction he intends to take," he added.
Former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon is shaking hands with lawmaker Cho Kyungtae after announcing his presidential bid in front of the National Assembly fountain in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 10th. Photo by Yonhap News
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