Kim Moonsoo Defeats Han Donghoon in Both Party and Public Votes
Reflects Unification and Anti-Impeachment Sentiment...
Big-Tent Alliance Likely to Begin
Former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moonsoo was elected as the People Power Party's presidential candidate on May 3. He surpassed former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon with a majority of the votes. Analysts attribute his victory to the consolidation of support from party members who oppose the impeachment of former President Yoon Sukyeol, as well as public sentiment favoring a unified candidacy with Han Ducksoo, the independent preliminary candidate and former Prime Minister.
At the party convention held at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, Kim secured a total vote share of 56.53%, defeating Han Donghoon, who received 43.47%.
Kim led Han in both party member and public opinion votes. He garnered 61.25% of the party member votes (246,519 votes), widening the gap by 20 percentage points over Han, who received 38.75% (155,961 votes). In public opinion polls, Kim also led Han with 51.81%.
Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, raises both hands high after being confirmed as the final candidate at the 5th party convention held at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province on May 3, 2025. Photo by Yoon Dongjoo
Kim's victory is seen as a result of the voices of lawmakers and party members supporting opposition to impeachment, as well as public sentiment favoring unification with former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo.
As Minister of Employment and Labor, Kim drew attention by being the only cabinet member to refuse an apology demanded by opposition lawmakers during an emergency parliamentary inquiry held immediately after martial law. During the impeachment proceedings against former President Yoon, he repeatedly expressed opposition to impeachment, which quickly elevated his profile as a presidential contender. During the primary, he was the most proactive among the candidates in advocating for unification with former Prime Minister Han.
In his acceptance speech, Kim declared, "Even if I am shattered to pieces, I will ensure victory," adding, "To prevent Lee Jaemyung's Democratic Party faction from seizing power, I will forge strong alliances with any group necessary."
Kim emphasized political reform, vowing to change the 1987 system. He pledged to push for constitutional amendments and to reform the political, judicial, and electoral systems. He also stated his intention to have the Board of Audit and Inspection audit the National Election Commission and to abolish early voting.
Kim directed a warning toward Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate. He stated, "If we fail to stop the Democratic Party's dictatorship, liberal democracy will collapse, and the future of Korea will be bleak," adding, "We must never allow someone who has tainted the National Assembly with lies and crime to become President of Korea."
In his concession speech, Han Donghoon said, "I accept the decision of the party members and the people," adding, "Though my journey ends here today, I ask that our candidate Kim Moonsoo prevent Korea from becoming a dangerous country."
Although the People Power Party's candidate was decided on this day, the structure of the June 3 presidential election remains uncertain. With Lee Jaemyung of the Democratic Party, Kim Moonsoo, Lee Junseok of the Reform New Party, and former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo all in the race, complex discussions about alliances and mergers are underway. The outcome of potential unification talks between Kim and Han Ducksoo is expected to significantly reshape the presidential race.
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