Many Challenges Remain, Including Timing and Method of Unification
Power Struggle with Han Ducksoo over the "Constitutional Amendment Big Tent"
Attention on Possible "Super Big Tent" with Lee Junseok, Lee Nakyon, and Others
Former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moonsoo was elected as the People Power Party's presidential candidate on May 3. Kim declared a strong anti-Lee Jaemyung "big tent," stating, "I will build a powerful alliance with any group if it is to prevent the Democratic Party's Lee Jaemyung faction from taking power." The first hurdle is unifying the candidacy with Han Ducksoo, the former Prime Minister who is running as an independent.
Immediately after being confirmed as the final presidential candidate at the People Power Party’s 5th party convention held at KINTEX in Ilsan, Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, Kim told reporters, "I will join hands and work together with anyone who believes it is undesirable for Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, to become president."
Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party presidential candidate, is delivering his acceptance speech 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 Dongju
This reaffirms his stance that an anti-Lee Jaemyung big tent is necessary to win in the general election. From the primary stage, Kim has shown the most proactive attitude toward unification with former Prime Minister Han. The fact that he outperformed former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon in both party and public opinion polls is interpreted as the result of support from party members who oppose the impeachment of former President Yoon Sukyeol, as well as public sentiment favoring unification.
The first task is unification with former Prime Minister Han. Although Han remains outside the party, he enjoys considerable support from the pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Sukyeol) faction and a significant portion of the party mainstream. Han has also extended an olive branch, stating, "I am willing to cooperate with anyone who supports constitutional amendment."
There are many obstacles to overcome regarding the timing and method of unification. Within the party, the "golden time" for unification is considered to be as early as May 6, or at the latest, by May 11. The best-case scenario is to reach a conclusion before noon on May 7, the deadline for ordering campaign materials. Even if this deadline passes, unification must be completed before the candidate registration deadline on May 11 in order to secure ballot number 2. This leaves approximately four days to a week for the unification process.
There is also the possibility of friction between Kim and Han over the method of unification. Since Kim has been chosen by both party members and the public, he has no reason to yield the initiative. Some analysts note that the Supreme Court’s decision on May 1 to remand Lee Jaemyung’s violation of the Public Official Election Act for a guilty verdict has weakened the momentum for unification.
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
On this day, Kim hinted at a cautious approach regarding the timing and method of unification, saying, "Now that I am the official presidential candidate of the People Power Party, I would prefer that (Han and others) join our party, but since that is not the case, there are complicated issues. To demand a unification plan immediately after my nomination is unreasonable. I will take a moment to catch my breath before responding." In his acceptance speech, Kim also emphasized, "I will proceed in a way and through procedures that the public and party members can accept," signaling his intention not to relinquish the initiative in the unification process with Han.
Han, meanwhile, has countered by proposing a "constitutional amendment big tent." Visiting the National Assembly Alumni Association on the same day, Han said, "Why should we set up a big tent for a particular individual? If we are to use the term 'big tent,' it should be for constitutional amendment."
There is also interest in whether Kim will seek to build a broader alliance beyond unification with Han, possibly reaching out to Lee Junseok, the Reform New Party’s presidential candidate, and Lee Nakyon, senior advisor to the New Future Democratic Party. As a prominent anti-impeachment figure who has been criticized for lacking appeal to centrist voters, some argue that a "super big tent" is needed.
However, this too is expected to be challenging. During his tenure as a cabinet minister, Kim refused to apologize for former President Yoon’s declaration of martial law and has consistently opposed the impeachment of former President Yoon throughout the primary, maintaining a hardline stance. On this day as well, Kim dismissed suggestions from some quarters that expulsion or removal of former President Yoon should be considered for the sake of electoral victory, saying, "I have never thought about it."
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