[Report] "An Honest Man Living in a 24-Pyeong Apartment" vs. "Time to Get Rid of Stagnant Water"... Fierce Showdown Between Kim Moonsoo and Han Donghoon Supporters

Supporters of Kim Moonsoo and Han Donghoon
Face Off in Fierce Cheering Battle at the People Power Party Convention

"It's 100% Han Donghoon!" "There's nothing to consider; of course, Kim Moonsoo should be president."

On May 3, KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, where the People Power Party convention was held, was filled with tension as supporters of former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moonsoo and former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon faced off. Each group was certain that their candidate would win and cheered passionately.

The first-floor entrance and the area in front of the main gate were crowded with party members and supporters, all gathered to witness the moment when the 'final candidate' for the People Power Party's presidential nomination would be chosen. Red placards and cheering sticks, symbolizing the People Power Party, were visible throughout the venue.

Around noon on the 3rd, the area around KINTEX Exhibition Hall 1 in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, was bustling with supporters of former leader Han Donghoon, who came to the People Power Party convention. Photo by Jang Bokyung

Supporters of former leader Han Donghoon emphasized that he is "the person who took the lead in stopping martial law" and "the figure who can bring about a generational change in politics." Yang Sunggi (63), who said he had experienced martial law twice, stated, "No matter how bad the Democratic Party may be, martial law is wrong," and added, "Even if Han had not stopped martial law, it would have been halted anyway." Yang also stressed Han's relative youth compared to Kim, saying, "It's time to get rid of stagnant water."

He went on to say, "This is a time when a new figure suitable for the younger generation is desperately needed," and predicted, "If we don't make a change this time, we will face crises for another five or ten years, just like now." When a supporter of Kim Moonsoo standing nearby said, "After Kim Moonsoo becomes president this time, we'll hand it over to Han Donghoon," Yang firmly responded, "That can't happen. We must not miss this opportunity."

Supporters of Kim Moonsoo were equally confident in their candidate's victory, saying, "There's nothing to consider." Park Jaekwon (73), who came from Gangneung, Gangwon Province, said, "Of course, Kim Moonsoo should be president. He is an honest man living in a 24-pyeong villa, and he thinks only of the people." Park added, "Young people live too comfortably and don't know hardship. President Park Chunghee made it possible for everyone to live well," expressing nostalgia for the conservative administrations of Park Chunghee, Park Geunhye, and Lee Myungbak through Kim Moonsoo.

Shin Dongguk (69), who came from Daegu, said, "The only candidate who can solve the difficult political reality is Kim Moonsoo," and added, "The 5·18 was not a democratization movement but a riot. The only person who can set this straight is Kim Moonsoo." Regarding Han Donghoon, he criticized, "He is a traitor who betrayed former President Yoon."

Supporters of former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moonsoo are dancing and cheering ahead of the People Power Party's national convention. Photo by Jang Bokyung

Around 2 p.m., as the convention began, KINTEX Exhibition Hall 1 was filled with cheers. The two candidates entered one by one to their chosen entrance songs. Whenever their respective candidates appeared, supporters raised their voices, competing in enthusiastic cheering.

Han Donghoon, who was chosen to enter first by drawing lots, clenched his fist toward his supporters to the tune of "Fly" by Lee Seungyeol, which he personally selected. His supporters waved cheering sticks and red scarves with slogans, shouting their support for Han.

Next, as Kim Moonsoo entered with both hands raised high, his supporters responded with loud applause and cheers. Kim's entrance song was "AI, Forward to a New and Great Republic of Korea!" produced using artificial intelligence technology, conveying the message that Korea should become a leading nation in AI.

On this day, the People Power Party held its 5th national convention at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, to select one final presidential candidate between Kim Moonsoo and Han Donghoon. The result reflects 50% from the party member electoral college vote and 50% from a general public opinion poll conducted on May 1 and 2. However, even if the final candidate is selected, whether there will be a single candidacy with former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, who officially declared his presidential bid the previous day, is expected to be a key variable until the very end.

The party member electoral college vote closed the previous day with a turnout of 52.62%. According to the party's election management committee, 402,481 out of 764,853 party member electors (52.62%) participated in the automated response system (ARS) vote. In the mobile vote held on May 1, 342,920 people (44.83%) participated, and in the ARS vote held the following day, 59,561 people (7.79%) took part.