Kim Museong: "Both Lack Capability... They Should Go Somewhere and Negotiate All Night"

Kim Moonsu and Han Ducksoo's "Unification Showdown" Broadcasted Live for an Hour on May 8
Kim Museong: "Proof That Both Lack Capability"
"Kim Moonsu Will Lose the Election If He Delays Another Week"

On May 8, Kim Museong, Standing Advisor of the People Power Party and former Saenuri Party leader, criticized the live broadcast of the "unification showdown" between Kim Moonsu, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, and Han Ducksoo, former Prime Minister. He described it as "an act that defies common sense" and "proof that both candidates lack capability." In an interview on YTN Radio's "Shin Yul's News Frontline" that day, Kim said, "It is wrong for both camps to come and shout, creating a commotion, and then to broadcast the showdown live, exposing it to the public. They should go somewhere, and even if it takes all night, reach an agreement before coming out." He insisted that the candidates should negotiate until a consensus is reached, even if it means staying up all night.

Kim Museong, Standing Advisor of the People Power Party. Photo by Asia Economy

Regarding the claim from Kim Moonsu's camp that "the party leadership is trying to bring down the elected power," Kim Museong responded, "Is that realistically possible in a democratic society?" and drew a clear line, saying, "That will not happen." He added, "Many tragedies in the world arise from misunderstandings. The party leadership and the candidates should meet and have an open and honest conversation to resolve things. Politics is fundamentally about negotiation and compromise based on dialogue, but they are refusing to talk to each other." He further remarked, "Even between the ruling and opposition parties, lack of dialogue leads to problems, and even within our party, the leadership is not communicating properly, leading to misunderstandings. This is truly a backward political practice."

Kim Museong also rejected the proposal from Kim Moonsu's camp to unify after a week of campaigning and a TV debate with Han Ducksoo, saying, "It is not realistic." He explained, "Candidates must be registered by the 11th. If Kim Moonsu becomes the unified candidate, things can proceed as is. However, if the candidate changes as a result of the public's choice, a party convention must be held to take legal measures according to our party's constitution and regulations. Even a party convention requires a period for announcement and convening. The party was preparing for such practical matters, but Kim Moonsu's camp is now claiming that the leadership is trying to bring him down." He criticized this stance as unfounded.

That day, Kim Moonsu filed an injunction with the court, requesting confirmation of his presidential candidate status in response to the party leadership's move to convene a National Committee and a party convention. In an interview on KBS's current affairs program "Sasageonkeon," he said, "Although I have priority in party affairs, the leadership is proceeding with steps to convene a convention and replace the candidate. I have filed an injunction with the Seoul Southern District Court to confirm my status as the presidential candidate."

Commenting on this, Kim Museong said, "Isn't politics supposed to be above the law? Politics is about reaching agreements through dialogue. I believe it is wrong to keep dragging everything into the legal arena." He continued, "The Standing Advisors of the People Power Party do not support any particular candidate. What is important now is that the Democratic Party is currently undermining the judiciary, and the abuse of legislative power has exceeded its limits. There is a sense of crisis that if Lee Jaemyung wins the presidential election just a month from now, that abuse will reach its peak and the nation will be shaken to its roots."

He said, "All media polls show that with the current People Power Party candidates, it is impossible to defeat Lee Jaemyung. That is what brought Han Ducksoo into the race." He continued, "Unification is about not giving up on this election and making one last effort until the end. However, if the independent candidate (Han Ducksoo) becomes the candidate, there will be no practical support such as campaign funds. Therefore, unification must be completed before the 11th. Proposing to extend it by another week is tantamount to conceding defeat."

Kim Museong and other senior party members began a hunger strike on May 7, urging the unification of Kim Moonsu and Han Ducksoo. Regarding this, Kim Museong said, "We started this out of a desire to save the country. I will endure as long as my health allows."