Han Urges Support:
"We Must Prevent Lee Jaemyung from Wielding Unchecked Power"
Former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo on May 10 described unification as a mandate from the people and adopted a conciliatory tone, stating that he would embrace and serve all those, including the People Power Party presidential primary candidates, who have criticized him. As the party is conducting a vote among its members on whether to replace its candidate, Han's remarks are seen as an effort to defuse growing criticism against him and to seek reconciliation.
In a press conference held that afternoon at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, Han said, "I believe we all share the same dedication to victory. I will embrace, serve, and respect everyone." He added, "If it means winning, I am willing to become any kind of Ducksoo?Kim Ducksoo, Hong Ducksoo, Ahn Ducksoo, Na Ducksoo, or any other Ducksoo."
Regarding his presidential bid, Han stated, "I have never once dreamed of running for president in my entire life. However, I decided to run because, over the past three years, I have acutely realized the need to change politics. To win, we must unite and set aside our egos." He continued, "By running for president, I have let go of everything. I have never thought that I am the only one who can do this, and I never will. In order to focus on constitutional reform and the economy, we must all join forces."
On the breakdown of unification talks and the replacement of candidate Kim Moonsoo, Han said, "Unification is the mandate of the people." He continued, "Regardless of the reasons or circumstances behind what has happened, I sincerely apologize to the people and party members. I will do my utmost and embrace everyone so that the public will not have to see such news again," appealing for support.
Referring to those who ran in the People Power Party's primary, Han said, "All of them are individuals who must play significant roles in the future, while I am merely a stepping stone passing by. I sincerely hope they will step over my back and move on to the next era." He also clarified that he has no ambition for party leadership. Han emphasized, "The party should continue to be led by those who have long devoted themselves to its cause. I will serve and support them. Not for myself, but to move forward, I will devote all my strength and wisdom."
Han went on to urge support, stressing the need to prevent Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party candidate, from winning and to secure victory in the presidential election. Han criticized the Democratic Party and Lee Jaemyung, saying, "There are people who promise to save businesses in the morning and then reverse their stance by the afternoon; who cheer only for favorable court rulings and threaten impeachment over unfavorable ones; who propose a 30 trillion won supplementary budget after having drafted a reduced budget; who push for serial impeachments regardless of the country's or economy's difficulties; and who shamelessly state that they are considering whether to impeach even the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court." He asserted, "Such people should not be allowed to govern."
He continued, "We must not allow such people to control the legislative, executive, and judicial branches and wield unchecked power. In such a country, the economy cannot survive. It will collapse. The Republic of Korea did not rise easily?it was built with blood and sweat. But it can fall easily," he warned.
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