Han Deoksoo's Camp Effectively Rejects Kim Moonsoo's Proposal
"Clearly Calling for Unification Before the 11th"
"Why Can't We Do Now What Can Be Done Next Week?"
The camp of former Prime Minister Han Deoksoo, an independent presidential candidate, effectively rejected the proposal made by Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, on the 8th to "unify the candidacy after a week of campaigning and a public opinion poll," stating, "This is essentially a way of saying we shouldn't unify."
Lee Junghyun, spokesperson for Han Deoksoo's camp, met with reporters at the campaign office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the same day and commented on Kim's proposal, saying, "Kim Moonsoo is expressing his own opinion, and Han Deoksoo is expressing his own as well," and added, "We have made it clear that we want to achieve candidate unification before the official registration of presidential candidates on the 11th."
Independent presidential candidate Han Deoksoo is leaving a restaurant in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 7th after concluding a meeting with Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, regarding candidate unification. 2025.5.7 Photo by Kim Hyunmin
Earlier that morning, Kim Moonsoo held an emergency press conference and, regarding unification with former Prime Minister Han, said, "For the sake of synergy and verification, each candidate should campaign for a week, participate in a televised debate next Wednesday, and then conduct public opinion polls on Thursday and Friday to determine the unified candidate."
In response, spokesperson Lee stated, "That is essentially a way of saying we shouldn't unify," and described the proposal as "truly unconvincing."
Lee went on to say, "Is there any reason we can't do next week's tasks now? Is the other side going to wait? Is the presidential election going to be postponed? The election is firmly set for June 3, and we must do everything possible within that schedule."
He continued, "Is Kim Moonsoo not confident he can win in the public opinion poll? If he isn't confident about winning the party primary, how can he expect to win in the main election? What is the reason for not doing now what can be done next week?"
When asked whether the plan to not register as a candidate for the main presidential election if unification is not achieved by the 11th remains unchanged, Lee replied, "Our focus is not on withdrawing, but on putting our utmost effort into achieving unification before the 11th," and explained, "We have not heard anything from candidate Han Deoksoo about any change to this commitment."
Regarding Kim Moonsoo's remark that "forced unification has neither inspiration nor narrative," Lee responded, "Kim Moonsoo said he would push for unification immediately after being confirmed as the candidate, and many supporters agreed with that and voted for him. I don't think it can be considered coercion."
He further emphasized, "There is less than a month left until the election. The timing is extremely urgent, and supporters are eager for unification. If unification is achieved before the 11th, it could garner even more public support. Does it make sense to postpone it to next week without any special reason?"
Regarding the debate proposed by the party for 6 p.m. today, Lee said, "We have agreed to participate in the debate. If Kim Moonsoo does not attend and Han Deoksoo cannot debate as a result, then so be it, but if the debate proceeds with just one candidate, we will still participate."
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