Han Ducksoo Proposes "Let's Meet Today," Kim Moonsoo Only Replies "Yes"... Subtle Differences in Stance (Comprehensive)

Han Ducksoo Suggests "Tea Meeting"
Kim Moonsoo's Side Describes It as a "Brief Encounter"

On May 5, Kim Moonsoo, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, responded to independent candidate and former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo's proposal to "meet today" by saying, "Let's meet again soon," according to Kim's campaign.

Earlier that morning, Han arrived at Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to attend the 'Celebration Ceremony for Buddha's Birthday, Buddhist Era 2569.' While having tea with Kim, Han suggested, "Let's meet at a convenient time and place sometime today." Han's campaign stated that Kim replied, "Yes," and nodded in agreement.

Kim's campaign later announced, "Candidate Kim briefly encountered Candidate Han at Jogyesa Temple during the Buddha's Birthday celebration this morning."

Yonhap News

The campaign continued, "During this encounter, they exchanged greetings and well-wishes to 'meet again soon.' No other remarks were made."

While Han proposed a meeting for 'today,' Kim expressed only a general willingness to meet without specifying a time. There had been speculation that a meeting between Kim and Han would mark the beginning of discussions on unifying the conservative candidates, but the two showed a subtle difference in their positions regarding the timing of such a meeting.

Choi Inho, the full-time deputy spokesperson for Kim Moonsoo's campaign, wrote on Facebook that day, "Lawmakers from the People Power Party who arbitrarily set May 11 as the deadline for unification with former Acting President Han Ducksoo and apply pressure are disregarding the status and authority of Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party candidate chosen by the people and party members. There is absolutely no reason for Kim Moonsoo to move according to the scenario of the Yeouido establishment."

He added, "Kim Moonsoo is our party's final candidate, elected through a fierce primary among eight candidates. That alone gives him both justification and legitimacy. Even for a unification under the anti-Lee Jaemyung big tent, the process must center on Kim Moonsoo, who has both justification and legitimacy as the People Power Party candidate."

The People Power Party officially announced the establishment of a 'unification task force' for the two candidates the previous day. Prior to this, on May 3, Han's campaign had conveyed to the People Power Party their intention to leave the method and timing of unification up to the party.