PPP Lawmakers: "Kim and Han Must Unify Before the 11th"
Kim Moonsoo's Side: "Pressure for Unification Is an Internal Party Coup"
On the evening of May 5, lawmakers from the People Power Party (PPP) demanded the urgent convening of a general assembly, intensifying pressure on PPP presidential candidate Kim Moonsoo to unify with independent preliminary candidate and former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo.
According to political sources on this day, the PPP group messenger, which includes all PPP lawmakers, was flooded with requests to convene a general assembly.
More than ten lawmakers, including senior members, responded to posts urging unification by saying, "This is a matter of life and death," and "Division means certain defeat," and called for a general assembly to be held. Park Sooyoung, a lawmaker who had been part of Kim's campaign, also wrote on Facebook, "We need to unify quickly and go after Lee Jaemyung."
Some four-term PPP lawmakers, including Kim Doeup, Kim Sanghoon, and Park Deokheum, held a press conference that day, stating, "We urge a swift and wise decision from both Kim and Han," and "Unification must be achieved before the candidate registration deadline of May 11."
As calls for prompt unification grew within the party, the leadership was expected to convene a general assembly that evening to gather lawmakers' opinions.
The party and Kim's camp showed subtle differences regarding unification. The party and former Prime Minister Han believe the process should be accelerated, while Kim's camp argues that more time is needed.
A representative from Han's side reported that Han had proposed to Kim at Jogyesa Temple in Seoul to meet at a convenient time and place within the day, and that Kim replied, "Yes." In contrast, Kim's campaign stated in a press release, "The two exchanged greetings and said, 'Let's meet again soon.' There were no other remarks."
Displeasure at the pressure for unification was also expressed. Choi Inho, standing deputy spokesperson for the Kim Moonsoo campaign, wrote on Facebook, "PPP lawmakers who arbitrarily set May 11 as the unification deadline and apply pressure are disregarding the status and authority of PPP candidate Kim Moonsoo, who was chosen by the people and party members," adding, "There is no justification for Kim Moonsoo to act according to the scenario of the vested interests in Yeouido."
Cha Myungjin, a close aide to Kim and former lawmaker, also wrote on Facebook, "Yang Kwon (Emergency Response Committee Chair Kwon Youngse and Floor Leader Kwon Seongdong) seem to have concluded that Kim has no intention to pursue unification and have boycotted party affairs," adding, "They are not officially processing the appointment of Secretary-General Jang Donghyuk, who was designated by the candidate." He continued, "They are threatening and cajoling for unification before the 11th," and insisted, "This is illegal under party rules. It is a coup within the party."
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