To Lee Jaemyung:
"They are not trying to promote democracy"
Former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo stated on May 10, "There may be some who are not satisfied with the unification process, but such matters are truly trivial compared to the issue of receiving the people's choice in the presidential election," in an effort to defuse tensions.
Appearing on Yonhap News TV that day, Han said, "Unification is absolutely necessary, but since the parties involved could not reach an agreement, I believe the People Power Party, which aspires to govern, took on this issue and began the unification process as a party."
Presidential candidate Kim Moonsu and Han held unification talks the previous day, but clashed over the inclusion of a clause to prevent strategic voting, ultimately resulting in the breakdown of negotiations. On this day, the People Power Party leadership convened an emergency committee and the party's election management committee late at night, revoked Kim's presidential candidacy, and proceeded with the process for Han to join the party.
Regarding this, Han stated, "During the unification discussions, my proposal to include a clause to prevent strategic voting clashed with the other party's demand to remove it, so we could not reach an agreement. As a result, it seems the party took the lead in promoting unification. Regardless of the circumstances or who was at fault, I sincerely apologize to the public for any inconvenience caused."
When asked about claims from Kim's camp that there may have been coordination with the party leadership during the unification process, Han replied, "That is impossible," adding, "I believe the party took the lead in establishing all the rules related to the primary." When asked whether the 'big tent' coalition had become difficult, he responded, "That is a constitutional amendment coalition to revive our economy and properly establish a new system," and emphasized, "Regardless of party affiliation, I believe there is a clear need for unity and a grave mandate from the people."
Regarding Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jaemyung and the Democratic Party, Han remarked, "When I see what the party led by candidate Lee Jaemyung is doing, it is certainly not about promoting democracy. They are trying to destroy the judiciary," and criticized, "What kind of outrageous statement is it to say they will impeach Supreme Court justices who have committed no crime?" He added, "This is by no means the attitude of politicians or a party that seeks to run the country properly and serve the nation."
When asked about ways to close the approval rating gap with Lee Jaemyung, Han said, "I believe it is entirely possible to narrow the gap. I will compete through policy," and stressed, "Through constitutional amendment, I will ensure that the government, the National Assembly, and the judiciary cooperate and uphold decentralization, so that we can succeed. I will continue to report to and persuade the people."
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