To Lee Junseok: "We Should Work Together," Reiterates Call for Unity
To Han Donghoon, Who Campaigns Individually: "In Communication, Will Support Him Well"
People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moonsoo stated on the 20th regarding the TV debate between candidates' spouses proposed by Emergency Response Committee Chairman Kim Yongtae, "Of course, verifying the candidates themselves is fundamental, but the public also needs to know about the spouses and families of the candidates."
Meeting with reporters that morning at the Korean Federation of Artistic and Cultural Organizations Hall in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, Kim said, "This was not my idea," but added, "Since the risks associated with a candidate's spouse are said to be just as significant as those of the president, I understand the intention is to verify that as well."
Kim continued, "If verification is necessary, I believe we should undergo verification and hold debates; that's basic." Regarding the possibility that Lee's camp might refuse, he said, "I'm not insisting that it must happen unconditionally. If the other side refuses, there is nothing I can do."
Addressing Lee Junseok, the Reform New Party's presidential candidate, Kim once again extended an offer for unification, saying, "It is right that we do this together."
Kim said, "Candidate Lee Junseok served as the party's leader," and added, "Due to various issues within the party, he is currently outside, but it is right for us to work together. I am making efforts in this regard."
The previous day, at a debate held at Seoul City Hall, Kim had also said, "At yesterday's debate, my supporters said, 'The MVP is Lee Junseok, not Kim Moonsoo.' There is no collusion or phone contact between the two of us. Our thoughts are always aligned, and our policy directions are moving together."
In response, Lee stated, "I do not doubt Kim's sincerity or his goodwill in trying to unite the conservative camp for the election, but this is not a way to win," and dismissed the idea by saying, "I have no interest in the unification talks themselves."
People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moonsoo is giving a greeting speech at the policy agreement ceremony between the Korean Federation of Artistic and Cultural Organizations and the People Power Party held on the 20th at the Korea Artists Center in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
Regarding former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon, who is not part of the campaign committee and is campaigning individually, Kim said, "He is actively participating and supporting us in practice," and added, "He continues to communicate with me. I will do my best to support him so that he can work even harder in the future."
On his strategy to win over centrist voters, Kim explained, "While there are centrist voters, the cohesion and unity of People Power Party supporters and the broader liberal camp are still lacking. We have many shortcomings in the Seoul metropolitan area, the Chungcheong region, young voters, and those in their 40s and 50s, so we will work harder to present tailored pledges."
Kim did not comment on the fact that Ku Juwa, the former presidential candidate of the Liberty Unification Party, announced his support for Kim after withdrawing his candidacy the previous day, and that lawyer Kim Gyeri, who previously represented former President Yoon Sukyeol, had applied to join the People Power Party, saying, "I am not aware of those developments."
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