Sangwook Kim, a member of the People Power Party who has received recruitment offers from the Democratic Party of Korea, stated that he has not received an official invitation to join the Democratic Party. However, he assessed that, as a true conservative, the People Power Party has become reactionary, while the Democratic Party is actually more of a conservative party. Kim said he is currently considering his future course of action.
Appearing on CBS Radio's "Kim Hyun-jung's News Show" on May 1, Kim explained, "Privately, some have told me it would be good to work together, and I am grateful for such remarks because it means they think well of me." Kim said he has recently been reflecting on the values of true conservatism, stating, "The People Power Party is no longer conservative but has become a reactionary group." He added, "I want to be a politician who helps the nation and its people, not one who causes harm to the public. To be honest, this is a part I am genuinely struggling with." He further emphasized, "To speak more frankly and objectively, in 2025, it is the Democratic Party that is more faithfully upholding the conservative values of democracy and the rule of law."
Kim also said he was disappointed during the presidential primary process. This was because the values of conservatism disappeared and principles were lost during the primary. He described the process of unification with acting President and Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, who is rumored to be running, as a collusive arrangement. He stated, "The current situation is off track. To be clear, I find it hard to call the current People Power Party a conservative party."
Regarding the primary between Moonsoo Kim and Donghoon Han, Kim commented, "I believe Donghoon Han is the only candidate who meets the minimum qualifications," referring specifically to the basic requirements. He said, "Taking action to lift martial law and clearly expressing support for impeachment are the minimum qualifications," but added, "However, politicians should not use these issues to seek votes. This is something for which politicians should feel sorry and apologetic to the public."
Kim stated that if Moonsoo Kim is ultimately selected as the candidate, he will have to observe the party's direction, saying, "If calls for party reform emerge, that's one thing, but if the situation reverts to the old days, with claims that martial law was justified and that it is necessary for anti-communism, and if the party lacks the energy to change this, then I would find it hopeless." He continued, "I have not yet given concrete thought to joining any particular party," and added, "I feel I have no choice but to seriously consider what role I should play for the nation and the people."
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