Kim Kihyun: "100% Opposed to 'Han Ducksoo New Party'... In Difficult Times, We Must Return to Principles"

"The Democratic Party Moves in Unison at Kim Jongun's Words, While We Are in Disarray"
"In Difficult Times, We Must Return to Principles"

Kim Kihyun, leader of the People Power Party, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on December 7 last year. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Kim Kihyun, a member of the People Power Party, expressed his views on the conflict over the unification of presidential candidates between independent preliminary candidate Han Ducksoo, former Prime Minister, and Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate. He emphasized that while Kim Moonsoo should apologize to party members for not keeping his promise regarding candidate unification, the calls from some quarters for a 'Han Ducksoo New Party' are not appropriate.

On May 9, during the YouTube program "Lee Dongjae's News Cabinet" by Maeil Shinmun, Kim Kihyun stated, "The party is in a state of total crisis, yet no effective countermeasures have been presented. Although I am not part of the party leadership, I feel a sense of responsibility as a member," sharing his thoughts on the matter.

Kim Kihyun said, "Many party members and supporters believed that unification would occur before candidate registration and chose Kim Moonsoo on that basis. Therefore, a sincere apology from Kim Moonsoo is necessary," adding, "There are many party members asking why the promise was not kept after they voted."

He continued, "Many lawmakers, including myself, voted for Kim Moonsoo. Kim promised to pursue unification and form a big tent, and we supported him because we were convinced that this would protect the Republic of Korea. I believed he was the most principled candidate."

However, he argued that it is not right to deny the outcome of Kim Moonsoo's election. He noted that some are discussing a 'candidate replacement theory' and 'party constitution regulations,' but regardless of how the party leadership proceeds, forcibly replacing the candidate would only result in a single candidate, not true unification.

He also commented on the much-discussed 'Han Ducksoo New Party' proposal. Kim Kihyun said, "I was shocked when I heard at the general assembly of lawmakers that Representative Yoon Sanghyun suggested '20 lawmakers leaving the party to form a Han Ducksoo New Party.' I am 100% opposed. In difficult times, we must return to principles, not resort to tricks," he insisted.

In conclusion, he appealed, "Unification must be pursued with everything at stake. I sincerely urge you, even today, to come together and achieve unity with a generous spirit. How could we possibly hand the country over to those authoritarian forces?"